A disturbing case of illegal deer hunting in the Margalla Hills National Park has triggered public anger and prompted official investigations, after a video surfaced showing three men slaughtering a rare deer on the roadside.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, captures the men killing the deer in broad daylight while a forest guard—reportedly from the Capital Development Authority (CDA)—stands nearby with a wireless set. One of the men is seen carrying the dead deer on his shoulders as they walk away from the scene.
When questioned by tourists, the suspects claimed to be employees of CDA’s Environment Protection department.
In response, a CDA spokesperson denied involvement, stating their staff found the deer already injured and only assisted by slaughtering it. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has launched an inquiry into who was responsible for firing the shot that killed the animal.
An application has been filed at the concerned police station against the suspects, identified as Bashir Abbasi, Zain Abbasi, and others.
Authorities are seeking legal action under Sections 12.4(a) and 16.1(a) of the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act 2024. The barking deer is listed as a protected species under Schedule One of the Act.
Under the law, violators face a fine of up to Rs. 1 million and one year in jail.