Rina Saeed Khan accused of corruption, experts say such legal action could weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement
The Federal Investigation Agency’s investigation into former Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) chairperson Rina Saeed Khan has drawn backlash from conservationists, with the Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP) saying targeting individuals engaged in nature protection could weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement.
An FIR was registered against Khan last month, accusing him of financial irregularities, abuse of power and breach of trust.
The report alleges that Khan received donations into her personal account while on duty and that she approved the transfer of brown bears to Four Paws, an international organization, without obtaining full approval from the board of directors. She is also accused of having sanctioned certain contacts without respecting due process.
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Khan has refuted all allegations, calling them baseless and motivated by malice, while the AFP also expressed concern over the legal action.
She argues that a commission of inquiry by the Ministry of Climate Change had already confirmed that there was no evidence of financial or administrative irregularities during her tenure.
Although the Islamabad High Court granted Khan interim bail, ordering him to cooperate with the investigation, environmental organizations and civil society representatives continue to express concerns over the case.
In a statement issued by the AFP executive committee, it was noted that Khan had taken several important steps during her tenure, including those in the Margalla Hills National Park, where she initiated habitat restoration, rehabilitation of injured wildlife and promotion of outdoor activities.
Stressing that encouraging individuals engaged in environmental protection is a shared responsibility of the state and society, the statement added that legal issues must be handled with fairness and transparency, ensuring that environmental protection efforts remain free from personal or political influence.
Read more: Former IWMB chief rejects corruption allegations
Environmentalists have warned that such actions against individuals engaged in environmental conservation could harm Pakistan’s efforts to protect its wildlife and natural heritage.
AFP concluded its press release by expressing its solidarity with all the experts and volunteers who, without any personal interest, work to preserve the natural landscapes, biodiversity and ecological balance of the country.
