ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) launched a major crackdown against illegal hunting in the Margalla Hills area and arrested a foreign national allegedly involved in trapping and hunting protected wildlife in the federal capital.
According to officials, the operation was conducted in the E-7 forest area after authorities received information regarding illegal hunting activities inside the Margalla Hills National Park. During the raid, IWMB teams recovered illegal wire traps allegedly installed for hunting wild animals.

Officials said a barking deer was found trapped during the operation, while evidence collected from the site indicated organized illegal hunting activity inside the protected forest zone.
The arrested suspect was later handed over to Kohsar Police Station, where an FIR has been registered under the Nature Conservation and Wildlife Protection laws, including provisions of the Nature Act 2024 and Wildlife Protection Ordinance.
The case documents state that the suspect was allegedly involved in setting up hunting traps in the forest area, which falls under Islamabad’s protected wildlife territory. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings and further investigation is underway.
IWMB officials said the board remains committed to protecting wildlife in Margalla Hills National Park and warned that strict action would continue against individuals involved in illegal hunting, trapping, or harming protected species in Islamabad.
Environmental experts have repeatedly raised concerns over illegal hunting and habitat disturbance in Margalla Hills, home to several protected species including barking deer, wild boars, leopards, monkeys, and diverse bird populations.
Authorities urged citizens to immediately report suspicious hunting activities, illegal traps, or wildlife crimes to relevant departments to help preserve Islamabad’s natural ecosystem and biodiversity.