ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued show cause notices to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) chairperson and Ministry of Climate Change secretary for defying the orders of the court to relocate two Himalayan brown bears.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah asked them to explain why contempt proceeding should not be initiated against them.

IHC in the judgment, dated May 21and subsequent orders passed to implement the judgment on July 18, 30, Aug 3, Aug 13, Sept 25, Sept 28 and Nov 27, the Climate Change Ministry and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board have reportedly refused to relocate the two Himalayan brown bears, Suzzee and Babloo to the sanctuary situated in Jordan.

This court has been informed that the climate change ministry has cancelled the export permit which was issued pursuant to direction given by this court.

The arrangements for relocation of both the Himalayan brown bears are stated to have been finalised and they were scheduled to fly from the Islamabad International Airport to Jordan tonight. The team of experts and the amicus curiae appointed by this court had arrived in Pakistan for relocation of the two living species but permission is not being granted.

The court noted that an appropriate sanctuary, which would meet the behavioural, social and psychological needs of the two Himalayan brown bears was not available and, therefore, with consent of all the parties the relocation was ordered.

It, prima facie, appears that the ministry and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board would be violating this Court’s judgment and orders and thus committing an offence punishable under the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003, Justice Minallah observed.

In such an eventuality the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board chairperson and its members would be jointly and severely liable besides responsible officials of the climate change ministry.

If the direction of this court is not complied with and the two Himalayan brown bears are not relocated in accordance with the schedule then the chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and the Climate Change Secretary are directed to appear in person tomorrow December 10 at 11a.m. to explain why proceedings should not be initiated under the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003.

Contempt proceedings are already pending in connection with reckless handling of two lions in the Islamabad Marghazar zoo. Both died allegedly due to mismanagement and lack of care. It is also noted that the climate of Islamabad Capital Territory is not appropriate to meet behavioural, social and psychological needs of the two Himalayan brown bears.

The Himalayan brown bears have already suffered immensely. This Court was informed that they have developed behavioural disorders because of illness and unacceptable living conditions.

By refusing to relocate them, would amount to perpetuating their pain and misery.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2020