LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed the provincial government to protect and preserve blackbuck (deer), an endangered species, in light of the Punjab Wildlife Act 1974.

In a detailed verdict issued on a public interest petition, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh further directed the government to ensure implementation of recommendations made by Blackbucks Commission formed by the court.

A citizen namely Ali Imran had filed the petition challenging the inaction of the government towards protection and preservation of the animal.

Petitioner’s counsel Sheraz Zaka told the court that he had no objections if blackbucks commission’s recommendations were implemented in letter and spirit.

Senior lawyer Dr Pervez Hassan had headed the commission that recommended that hunting of blackbucks should not be allowed and the government must take all safeguard measures in Lal Sohanra Park, Bahawalpur, as well as in Cholistan area.

The commission admitted the fact that blackbuck was rare species and must be protected at every cost and the wildlife department must ensure allocation of funds to enhance its capacity.

The judge directed the government to pay special attention to the protection of biological diversity and take all precautionary measures to safeguard the vulnerable species.

The judge also directed that the commission after every six months would conduct its meeting and submit report before the deputy registrar judicial of the high court regarding progress in implementation of its recommendations by the government.

The judgment further said that fundamental rights included right to protect all living organisms including birds, animals air and soil.

The wildlife department also endorsed the commission’s report and its recommendations for the protection/preservation of the endangered species.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2019