HYDERABAD, May 6: Sindh Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Environment Hassan Ali Chanhio has warned that strict action would be taken if complaints regarding abuse of wildlife were reported.

He directed the officials to adopt foolproof measures in protecting the species at the Khirthar National Park.

Chanhio said that concerned officials would be held responsible if illegal hunting is reported from the forests.

The provincial minister along with Secretary Forest Shamsul Haq Memon on Monday visited the Khirthar National Park. He said that the fundamental objective of the park was to protect and preserve the rare species of animals, and it was the duty of the concerned department to work efficiently in this regard.

He directed the officials to take personal interest in the affairs of the park, and arrest all those responsible for playing havoc with the wildlife.

He also visited the base camp of the Premier Exploration Pakistan Limited (PEPL) at the Khirthar National Park, which is engaged in seismic survey.

The representatives of the PEPL briefed the minister about the activities of the company. The minister expressed his desire to seek a detailed briefing on the Khirthar National Park management plan, which had been prepared by the Wildlife Department with the cooperation of PEPL.

The provincial secretary, Shamsul Haq Memon, informed the minister about the baseline study conducted by the Melbourne University of Australia on Khirthar National Park, and also briefed him about the animals, birds and plants which had been preserved in the park.

The conservator wildlife Sindh, Muneer Ahmed Awan, said that Khirthar National Park — spread over an area of 1192 square miles — was the second largest national park in the country.

SCHOLARSHIPS: The Provincial Coordinator, Bureau of Curriculum and Extension Wing Sindh, Jamshoro, has notified that the number of scholarships has been enhanced to 14,000 from 6,500 at the elementary school level, besides the last date of submission of application forms has also been extended upto May 10, 2002.

He said that the Bureau of Curriculum and Extension Wing, Sindh, and Middle School Project Karachi will be giving scholarship of Rs 1,500 for three years to government school students who have passed 5th class in the year 2002, and are enrolled in class 6.

These scholarships are available for both boys and girls. The applicants will have to appear in test which will be held on

May 19.