Young Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Officials of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) on Friday confirmed the presence of a leopard on the premises of the International Islamic University (IIU), prompting the university administration to shut down all units and launch an emergency response.
According to the university spokesperson, the animal was first seen hiding in bushes inside the campus, causing panic among students and staff. The administration immediately closed the university, informed the IWMB and police, and sought assistance to ensure safety.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. As soon as the leopard was spotted, all university units were closed and the relevant authorities were alerted,” the spokesperson said.
A wildlife response team reached the campus and began a search operation, confirming signs of the leopard’s presence and indicating that the animal remains within the university premises.
Wildlife experts have set up traps and increased patrolling as a precaution, while coordination continues with relevant authorities. The IWMB urged calm, advising people to avoid spreading rumours and cooperate with officials.
“At this stage, there is no need to panic. Our teams are vigilant and working closely with concerned departments,” the board said.
Separately, preliminary findings suggest the leopard may have entered the campus through the Sector E-9 drain via F-9 Park, though investigations are ongoing.