ISLAMABAD – A viral video of slaughter of rare deer species sparked public outrage and authorities in capital launched investigation under wildlife protection laws.
After the disturbing incident, Wildlife Department filed an official complaint at the relevant police station, seeking action under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act 2024. The barking deer, the species involved in the case, is listed as a protected animal under Schedule One of the Act.
Authorities are pursuing legal action under Sections 12.4(a) and 16.1(a), which stipulate a fine of up to Rs1 million and imprisonment of up to one year for violations. As per Section 23 of the law, even deceased wild animals are considered the property of the federal government.
The complaint has been registered against two named individuals—Bashir Abbasi and Zain Abbasi—along with other unidentified suspects.
The investigation remains ongoing, as officials work to uncover the full circumstances of the incident and hold the culprits accountable.
The disturbing case was of Margalla Hills National Park, where three individuals reportedly shot and slaughtered a rare species of deer in broad daylight. A clip of the incident was all over the internet, triggering public outrage and prompted official investigations.
The clips show suspects slaughtering the deer by the roadside. One of them then carried the animal’s body away on his shoulders. When approached by tourists, the men claimed to be employees of the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Environment Protection Department.
Eyewitnesses also reported the presence of a CDA forest guard at the scene, who stood by with a wireless device as the act unfolded.
Capital Development officials denied that their personnel were involved in the hunting. Instead, the official claimed that the deer was already injured and had been slaughtered to prevent further suffering. However, the statement did little to ease public concern, especially as a formal investigation has been launched to determine who fired the fatal shot.
Islamabad Wildlife Management Board said the protection of wildlife in the national park falls under its mandate. Officials acknowledged that previous complaints of illegal hunting in the area have also been recorded.
