THE report that the government has granted 28 special hunting permits to certain sheikhs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar for hunting the houbara bustard that comes from Central Asia to winter in Pakistan will leave conservationists feeling angry and disappointed. Each Gulf dignitary in question has reportedly been allocated a separate district or districts across Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, in which to hunt this winter. The ban on hunting remains in place for all others. Arab sheikhs have hunted in Pakistan for several years now without any qualms. No wildlife law or ban imposed on the game has deterred them, because there has always been the possibility of special permission. Unfortunately, the government has shown scant respect for the rules and has demonstrated no concern for a creature that is an endangered species. The government's attitude is to be contrasted with that of the authorities in other countries where no concessions are made in the drive to protect wildlife.

In response to media reports, the UAE authorities have in the past clarified that while their rulers do come on yearly hunting expeditions to Pakistan, they also take back with them younger birds or arrange locally for the latter to be bred in captivity. The idea is to release new birds into their natural habitat to replenish the dwindling stock. Such captive breeding has been questioned in the context of whether it justifies the sport. Apart from the ethical view, there are also practicalities to be considered. For instance, do we have an authentic study on the current population of the bird that is threatened not only by over-hunting but also by loss of habitat? Before generously handing over hunting permits, the government should be mulling over these points and reviewing its wildlife policy — that is if it has one.