Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
KARACHI: The federal government has issued a number of special permits to hunt the internationally protected migratory bird houbara bustard in Punjab during the hunting season 2016-17, according to sources.
They said that Qatari prince Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani is among those in whose name the permits have been issued.
According to the sources, this is not the first time that a special hunting permit has been issued to the Qatari prince.
The prince has lately been in the news following the submission of his letter in the Supreme Court in connection with the Panamagate case.
In his letter he has described his father’s business relations with the family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his involvement in the London apartments that are at the centre of the Panama Papers controversy.
Qatari prince among those given special permits
The houbara bustard is not only protected under various international conventions and agreements signed by the country but its hunting is also banned under the local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt it but it is much sought after by Arab hunters.
According to the sources, the areas allocated for hunting to Prince Hamad are Punjab’s Bhakkar and Jhang districts. He has been allowed to hunt down 100 birds during a 10-day period.
The permit was sent to the prince through Qatar’s diplomatic mission in Islamabad.
The letter sent to the Qatari embassy (DCP (P&I)-19/6/2016-17 Allocation) says: “The ministry of foreign affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan... has the honour to state that the Government of Pakistan has conveyed its recommendation to the authorities concerned in the province for the allocation of following areas — Bhakkar and Jhang districts in Punjab province — to Prince Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, former prime minister of Qatar, for hunting of houbara bustard for the season 2016-17.”
The code of conduct for hunting — sent along with the foreign ministry’s letter — said the three-month hunting season began on Nov 1 and would conclude on Jan 31, 2017.
The sources said that copies of the hunting permit had been sent to various government officers, including Umeed Khalid, the conservator for wildlife, Climate Change Division, Building No 144, F-8 Markaz, Islamabad, for information and appropriate action.
Published in Dawn November 20th, 2016
Comments (141) Closed
Permits being issued in exhange of testimonies and letters?
This is how our government conducts Foreign Policy...
As a Pakistani we always facilate our special guests when they come to our country.When our guest ask for something we provide them and in token our guest give gifts of Luxury flats,cars,watches and even asylum and fake letters.
These people hunt a minimum 1200 Taloors (bustards) in one day. Imagine how many birds they hunt during their whole stay. Our government and rulers have no shame.
Shame on Govt.
To sum up, Would you like to play Give and Take game?
@Nawaz: I will give you permit to hunt protected bird... you?
@Qatari Prince: I will help you out in panama papers controversy by describing my father's business relationship with you in court.
Both: :) :) :) marhaba marhaba... Deal!
What else can be expected of utterly corrupt rulers.
You help me get out of panamagate i help you hunt. Story of our country
PM Nawaz and his government breaking the law established by lawmakers. This MUST be stopped.
The Federal government issued this permit to show gratitude to Qatari prince for writing the letter to help Nawaz Sharif on Panama leak.
Welcome to Pakistan. Where all is legal in the name of democracy
The letter has been duly acknowledged.
We Pakistani's are not slaves ......Do't change your rules & law for these So Called Arab brothers.
Time to return the favour.
What a shame. These are beautiful birds.i don't think these are allowed to be hunted anywhere else in world.Another feather in CAP .
This shows how corrupt our politicians are that they would sell every inch of the country just to get away with their crimes. The permit should be cancelled immediately and any hunting of the houbara should be criminalised
Oh, anything these Prince type people can pay to fulfill their unrestrained lust.
Illiterate badayun from desert famous for drilling the earth and killing the endangered animal. Coming to Pakistan so that he can have higher sexual drive. This is how far an Arab prince can think!
In return PM gets a letter indicating how he bought house in London, vow what country!
PM provides higher sexual power to prince and get relief in panama papers so that he can continue his rule or misrule!
No other country allows such permits but Pak govt does cuz after all they including Qatari are Panamians.Govt is going to mean level to avoid Panama.
This is how they accepted their share in Nawaz offshore companies to save him. Crystal clear.!!
If these folks had absolutely ANY political sense, or sense or propriety, or what is called 'political optics' this permit would not be issued.
Welcome to the banana republic dear since it can never happen in any state than our pakistan....
What is left in Pakistan which is not for SALE !
No one should be allowed to treat pakistan as its colony, some integrity and self-respect please...we demonstrate none and everybody looks down on us..
How about a special permit to hunt those down who hunt birds on foreign soil!
N now you can disseminate that Pakistan has been transformed into sharifistan especially for arabs...
Why this ban can't be applied on everyone equally irrespective of ones status? Why can't the Pakistani government be firm in implementing the ban? Perhaps the political bribes for vested interests are more important than saving the endangered species of birds from extinction special at this particular time when Panamaleaks case is under going trial in the SC.
Looks like worst case of graft.
Some connection with the recently issued letter to cover up the panama deals..?
How can one shame the shameless?
Qatari price Al Thani rewarded for favoring Sharifs in contempt of court. and Courts are silent MashaaALLAH!
This entire area is known as Thal encompassing the Jhang, Layyah (mine district) and Bhakkar.... there are immense restrictions of govt n wildlife international body to hunt out houbara bustard but who cares... being a denizen of this area I can assure undoubtedly that this hapless birs is in his final stage of extinction...
shame.
The prince is in the good books of our beloved government
You scratch my back,I scratch yours...
Grandparents told that back to 15 n 20 years, the flock of now endangering bird was largely visible across the area of Thal but now you can only wish to watch out a sole soul... regret
Very good move with brotherly country.
A Foreigner allowed to hunt 100 internationally protected bird in Pakistan ?. What a shame.
We call ourselves a nuclear powser but don't have a backbone to say No to these hunters from Gulf ?.
i guess for money we will do any thing .. One day those magnificent birds would be history..and the history will never be kind to us for what we did...What is a fish without a river? What is a bird without a tree to nest in? What is an Endangered Species Act without any enforcement mechanism to ensure their habitat is protected? It is nothing.what a country where laws are not what it is meant to be, what a country where we protect the guilty and punish the innocent ones..
It's a crime against people of Pakistan and our future generations.
Royals from Gulf should not be allowed to ravage the wildlife and Natural ecosystem of Pakistan.
The whole world is at one side and one prince is on the other side and Pakistan would support his hunting of internationally protected migratory bird houbara bustard. We are sold nation.
Wouldn't it be illegal to give permit to hunt internationally protected migratory bird? What's wrong with Pakistani government?
Does "internationally protected migratory bird" mean anything to this "prince" or to the government of Pakistan? Shame on Pakistani goverment!!!
Imagine how much other benefits they gave to him
Noble Arab Prince's hunting endangered species can only be bettered by Donald Trump making them endangered species too.
A very very small gift.......
Nothing but Shame and abasement. I'm sorry my beautiful land for I'm not able to defend you from the attack of these vultures.
Diff between IK n NS...Last year KPK Govt had fined A Qatari Prince for hunting Bustard n violating Wilflife law..U can see NS now..
Pakistan is Sharif family's personal kingdom. Sharif brothers greeted Turkish President while other Chief Ministers were not there. Turkey as a result signs MoUs with one province only which won't even benefit that province in the long run. Modi suddenly arrived in Pakistan not to solve bilateral issues but to attend Nawaz Sharif's granddaughter's wedding. PM Nawaz is accompanied by his brother on trips to China while CMs of other provinces are ignored. And now the Qatari Prince, a friend of Sharifs as admitted by themselves, is granted permits to hunt the beautiful and endangered Houbara Bustard birds.
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Dishonesty so blatantly obvious. SC to take note of this.
Arabs asks so many other things from Pakistan and its happening from thousand years.
This is shame. but definitively govt have to give something in return of that panamagate case letter to supreme court.
This is shame. but definitively govt have to give something in return of that panamagate case letter to supreme court.
Hope policies are changed and if any one hunts, will be replied with befitting response and safeguard sovereignty by any cost.
Do they need permits in Pakistan ?
When govt and courts does not bother about hunting of innocent Pakistanis by terrorists sponsored by these Qatri's and Saudi's, how can people even think about hunting of birds?
Payment in kind!
So thats how you pay back for loyalty
I scratch your back You scratch mine, that is govt. policy in pakistan in all matter.
This is a disgrace!
Prince of Panama, history will tell this story and will teach children like Allouddin and Jadoi magic, what a shame for our people now no body is answer able ABAJEE in his grave and children in London on UK citizen, who will give answer, what Jasim did for his father when he was travelling to france and Jasmin become King. Jasim is also owner of gas supply to Pakistan, in the world gas price $ 4.56 and Pakistan contract with them $ 6.75 this is the whole story. shame to us and shame to Prince of Panama.
These birds are world property, how can Prince of Quatar kills and Pakistan Permits?
It'd be a good idea to hold protests against this sad sad move. Protests by every segment of society, especially the bright, young student fraternity. The Emir of Qatar himself would probably like to see this, because he thinks Hamad tried to take his (the Emir's immediate) family for ride and Hamad is blatantly known as the corrupt one in Doha and many other places. The got may have issued the permit, but the power of the people can save the endangered birds and send a message to the other ostentatious Gulf Royals to think twice before trying to hunt in PK cos their PR image will be tarnished as a result.
sell everything you have
"We have the honor to . . ." Disgrace piled upon shame!
Nawaz bought his premiership in exchange for these birds.
I wish i can haunt these Sheikhs and other nonsense Arabs on there soil. If you have dare to fire guns, than go to save Kashmir and Palestine.
Why? because he is prince, gave everything you have for these Arabs
Please try to stand on your own feet and then talk about self respect. You are fed by them as a nation, so why are you complaining about them writing nice news in English does not change your faith.
No more hunting of endangered species. Pakistanis should stop pampering foreign diplomats all the time or soon this bird will disappear due to hunting.
Genuine visitors are welcome but such arab visitors who come here to kill this bird must not be allowed.
NO MORE ILLEGAL HUNTING!!!
Tit fir tat. Unfortunately he paid for the PM now it's PM time to pay back.
Anything is possible in the "Kingdom of Sharifistan".
all players of the game name "vested interests".carry on .the supreme power is watching.
first deport the innocent Turkish teachers to please a dictator and now the Qatari prince issued permit for hunting protected houbara bustard. what an sovereign decision by the ruler of Pakistan
This can be stopped by complaining to International Organisations that protect endangered species.
Precious endangered innocent birds are being made to pay part of price for fake testimonial letters. I wonder what else has been offered/paid behind the scenes. Presence of corupt people and politicians make us feel insecure in our own home country.
@Amjad Wyne exactly. still supporters of NS exists. They shall be in power again and you can see PPP also in power and than again PMLN and again PPP and Pakistani youth will be in queue of IELTS test and immigration.
Everything and anything is for sale in Pakistan. Never will Pakistani government say 'No' to Arab royalties, no matter how distasteful!
Ever wonder why these Princess don't go hunting in North America, Russia, Europe or even Africa?? Because laws are strict in those places about protecting their nature and wild life and they make no exceptions for anyone - no matter how rich or well connected.
@Mahmood who will help our elites when they need the letter for SC... for Panama leaks
Rewarded!!!
@Dr Irshad Kazmi New York
Please don't talk about gas prices. It's a sin here
Nawaz give them licence to hunt pak people
Somalis and Sudanese Prince also got permit and Will help in Nawaz Sharif business expansion and make them truly global company making Pakistani proud.
Hi Every one,
Sheikh Jassim is cricket lover and chairman of Qatar Cricket Association. He like Pakistani. We should show his hospitality.
Hi Every one,
Sheikh Jassim is cricket lover and chairman of Qatar Cricket Association. He like Pakistani. We should show his hospitality.
Total submission of country's interests. No respect for nation's flora and fauna. PM saab , you are also the protector of mute birds and animals. Respect the land , which has given you everything. That is where non-vegetarianism has made the society insensitive...
Whether it's Karachi or Kerala these uber rich Arabs have some good control over our governments, because so many our people work in the gulf states.
This letter it self is the evidence for court to disqualify the so called prince fake witness letter to side track the PM corruption case and court must act to punish those are involved in it. Court must go all the way to the top from where order was issued not just punish the little puppet who merely follow the order
Can this order be taken suo moto by honor able supreme court
We all know that money talks, but in Pakistan it also kills Houbara Bustards. Shame on us.
Qatari prince tried to rescue Nawaz Sharif and in reply PML (N) govt put in danger the lives of precious birds. This is simply called "GIVE AND TAKE".
Oil money corrupting Pakistan
What a shame to kill these innocent birds by these wealthy creatures. Hope some aliens from outer space who are superior than humans invade the earth and hunt humans. How will humans feel? Shame this is happening in 21st century.
Shameful!!! the law is clear and we do not want these Arab kings in our country!
Just as I thought it would be.
In comparison, prostitution, the world's oldest profession, is far more honorable.
@sam ..well said. it took me 7 years to get my engineering degree (from NED)
I am an example of your words now living happily in Australia.
Indeed, a letter at right time wins permits in no time!
@M Mirza my heart cries, 1200 a day is wiping out this specie
The IR of Pakistan... "has the honour to state", what is this, to kill hundreds of endangerd species be considered honourable?
Its between the 'King' and the prince. Who is anybody to object?
@Junaid
Shameful act by the shameless for the unashamed.
Where is the SC now?!!
if you got money? this Govt is wagging its tail, simple as that !!
As a nation we have fallen to the lowest possible level of shame...But the Qatari prince is the real winner in this deal as his Panama letter is only a piece of paper in the eyes of the law while the hunting license is for real..
This is the example of the greediness of Pakistan Leadership, they don't even bother about the lives of rare, almost extincted internationally protected birds who come here in Pakistan for flourishing their generations.
Pakistan's general people should stand against it.
@Yasir You nailed it Bro!
I think Pakistan should review this. Tomorrow others will also demand for the same.
To whom we be loyal and sincere.
The answer is self explanatory.
Waste of time in the Kingdom of Pakistan.
Tit for TAT by the PMLn!
Pakistan has been issuing these permits for over 30 years. And believe it or not, it does bring some prosperity though short term in the area and local people benefit from this. It will continue even if PMLN government is not in power. PPP, Musharraf, Zia, Bhutto they have all been patronizing our Arab friends in the past and it will continue in the future even if PTI comes into power.
Ever hear of the phrase "To thy own self be true?" Does it feel right to do this? And that is a question that not only the Pakistani Government and people, but also the others who come to hunt these rare and near extinction birds should pose to themselves.
Does Nawaz Govt have any shame or self respect left at all? As officially stated, special permits granted to select Arab princes and sheikhs for hunting these hapless birds of endangered species forms "the basis of Pakistan's foreign policy." Why don't you people understand? Don't you want the foreign policy of the country to succeed?
@tipu sultan
There are limits to hospitality.
Moreover, the prince is proving himself to be an unwelcome guest by pushing our endangered birds to extinction.
@tipu sultan - We all love Pakistan, but this hospitality is not shown to us. If the prince loves cricket, he should organize cricket matches and not hunt endangered species.
Long live the rulers ! For all they care,
These Arabs treat of slaves with our Pakistani bros. In revenge, our corrupted govt issues permit for hunting the innocent birds. Where is Supreme Court?? SC should takes action immediately without any delay.
How about permits to go after princes?
@NADIR BALOCH and @HEMANT well said.
And licences should also be granted to hunt these baddoo animals from Qatar while they are it. Let the hunt begin.
How much the license issuing Commisioner get for issuing the license?
@Syed Abidi No. Permits would have and have been issued regardless. "All Other" needs taken care of at a level which is "fit for king" and no limit hunting granted regardless of what is in the hunting permits. But "yes" to your statement that the letter is just a very small token of reciprocity.
In return of Qatri letter to cover PM lies. Disgusting.
its' a shame.
Isn't it time we got rid of these titles of princes and kings and queens and cease according them any deference, adulation or any special privileges? The bedouins and bullies of yesterday have become the royals of today. Be it an old European royal lineage or a nouveau self-assumed, oil wealth, middle eastern royalty fiefdom, at best they are just plain human beings like the rest of us or more than likely much worse depraved and debauched humans because if their ill-gotten sudden wealth and privileges. One should accord respect to another human by virtue of his or her knowledge or actions done for the benefit and betterment of his or her fellow humans. I find it nauseating to see adulation being showered on those that have never done a thing to merit it except by their geniture,
Thank you for highlighting this - again.
I am just so angry!!!!!!!!
In this selfish world do we really need this, knowingly killing something for pleasure...Not good.
@Yasir . No doubt this is reality
@Helping Hands And along with that, hunt down those who are issuing the permits.
Nawaz Sharif will do everything to return favour.
money is always king in Pakistan , as always.
@Yasir ,, ha ha ha what a reply
@AXH ,, very true
they have joint account, what to do. twins
what great voices of common people opposing this ugly govt. decision . keep it up. Govt needs thrashing by people power
Blantant dis-respect of domestic law by accomodating rich
We are by nature a ruthless, intolerant and a lawless nation. This will ultimately be the demise of us.
They must be allowed but not to shoot with guns but cameras only
I don't understand... what is great about killing helpless birds. How can you term it as hunt or "Shikaar"?
The meat of these birds is supposed to be aphrodisiac. Do these hunters bring their own partners with them to fulfil their fantasies or the Islamic Republic of Pakistan takes care of all their needs!
Absolutely disgusting