Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, has condemned the reported killing of a deer in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park, after a shocking video of the incident went viral on social media and triggered widespread public anger.
Calling the act “cruel” and “unacceptable,” Dr. Malik directed authorities to launch an immediate investigation and submit a detailed report without delay. “Harming wildlife in protected areas is a clear violation of conservation laws and will not be tolerated,” he said in a statement issued by the ministry on Saturday.
The Margalla Hills, part of the Himalayan foothills, are legally protected under Pakistani law and known for their rich biodiversity. Spanning over 17,000 hectares, the national park provides a habitat for species such as barking deer, leopards, wild boars, and numerous birds and reptiles.
Hunting or harming wildlife in this area is strictly prohibited under the Islamabad Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Ordinance of 1979.
Wildlife experts have repeatedly warned that such violations pose a serious threat to the park’s delicate ecosystem and undermine decades of conservation efforts. They stress that if such incidents continue unchecked, key species could decline, disrupting the ecological balance of the region.
Dr. Malik reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s natural heritage, urging citizens to respect wildlife and report any illegal activities. The ministry assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for harming protected animals.
