PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has launched an investigation into the illegal killing of a Common Leopard in the remote border area of Sparay, Mandogai, Warah Mamond Tehsil in Bajaur district, vowing strict legal action against those responsible.
According to a press release issued by the department, the incident occurred in a rugged mountainous area along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Upon receiving information, the Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Bajaur immediately dispatched the concerned Range Officer and field staff to recover the leopard’s carcass and initiate legal proceedings.
However, the department said the recovery operation faced significant challenges due to the prevailing law and order situation. Police allowed only a limited number of personnel to proceed to the site, while the absence of mobile network coverage further complicated communication and coordination.
The Divisional Forest Officer is personally supervising the operation and has established contact with the district administration, local tribal elders and relevant authorities to ensure the safe recovery of the leopard’s carcass, identify the suspects and initiate legal action under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015.
The department said investigations are ongoing, adding that further details regarding the suspects and legal proceedings will be shared with the public and media once the inquiry is completed.
Latif Ur Rehman, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Department, described wildlife as a priceless national asset and an essential part of the province’s biodiversity.
He said the department follows a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal hunting, trafficking and destruction of habitats of protected wildlife species. He warned that anyone found involved in such activities would face strict legal action.
The spokesperson also appealed to local communities, tribal elders and relevant institutions to cooperate with the Wildlife Department in protecting the province’s natural heritage. He urged citizens to immediately report any illegal hunting or suspicious wildlife-related activities to the nearest wildlife office or relevant authorities to strengthen conservation efforts.
