WWF Pakistan highly appreciates the interest and comment of Muhammad Iqbal (Dec 10) on the demand of WWF to publicly destroy the jackets with illegally traded fur trimmings.

The Pakistan government is a signatory to conventions such as the Convention of the International Trade of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The illegally traded material must not enter trade and measures must be taken to ensure this, though auctioning can bring revenue, it will also bring these jackets back in the market.

Destruction conveys a very strong message to those involved in illegal animal trade while raising awareness and it is a common practice globally. WWF Pakistan urges that it is done as soon as possible so that the authorities do not come under pressure or influence. The fur acquired for these particular jackets comes from wild animals that have been hunted in the wild, which is illegal according to the provincial wildlife protection laws.

We must not forget that trade is the most serious threat facing wildlife species. The only other way some of these jackets can be used is to put up a display at ports informing public and officials at all levels that such jackets require special permit from the ministry of climate change in order to be taken outside Pakistan and hunting of all wild feline and canine species is currently illegal in Pakistan.

UZMA KHAN Director Biodiversity WWF Pakistan