ISLAMABAD: A report prepared by Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, recommending repatriation of Kavaan to international sanctuary, was laid before the Senate on Friday.

The report on the issue of miserable condition of Marghazar Zoo, raised by senators Samina Abid and Nuzhat Sadiq during the sessions, stated that after extensive discussion in the committee meeting, the committee recommends that Kavaan may be repatriated to any international animal sanctuary.

However, the report said during the committee meeting, the member environment of CDA, Sanaullah Aman, had briefed the committee and was of the view that if veterinary doctors recommends the CDA has no objection to the elephant’s repatriation.

It said that the CADD minister, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, had opposed the elephant’s repatriation. However, he explained that the proposal regarding the extension of Zoo was under process.

The report while quoting the minister said that more male and female elephants will be brought to the zoo the management of which will be given to private sector.

Kavaan was unchained last year after protest demonstrations by animal lovers across the world and subsequent intervention of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Recently, music icon Cher also showed concerns over the condition of the 32-year-old Asian elephant, forcing the member environment CDA to announce that elephant enclosure will be expanded towards Margalla Hills to provide maximum space to the elephant.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2016

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