Lahore:
Three rare blackbucks women were stolen from the Jhang Wildlife Park overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, arousing concerns about the security and management of the park. An inquiry committee for two members was formed on the orders of the Director General of Wildlife to investigate the incident. A FIR has also been recorded regarding flight.
According to information received by L’Express PK Press Club, the flight was discovered the next morning when the staff entered the blackbuck enclosure to provide food and noticed that animals were missing.
The headquarters of the Vice-Chief of the Wild Rangeers confirmed that a departmental survey was underway under the supervision of Dr Misbah Sarwar, a senior officer of the department. The committee of two members should submit its report within three days.
“The culprits involved in the flight will be treated strictly under the law,” said the official. “Ministerial measures will also be taken against staff found guilty of negligence.”
It also appeared that the senior executives of the Jhang Wildlife Park have currently left for official training. In their absence, the staff recruited as part of the Green Pakistan program had been awarded. Their contracts, however, expired on June 30, which asserted other concerns concerning the management and surveillance of the park during the incident.
Wildlife officials said the park housed a total of seven blackbucks, including three female animals have been missing. The minimum market value of a single blackbuck is estimated at Rs. 200,000.
However, sources have said that four animals have been stolen, one male and three women although officials argue that only three women have been taken.
