ISLAMABAD: Residents and visitors in Islamabad were recently alerted after a leopard was spotted close to the iconic Faisal Masjid, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. This rare sighting has raised concerns among local authorities and wildlife officials, leading the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) to issue an official public advisory aimed at ensuring the safety of people in the vicinity.
Videos capturing the elusive big cat roaming near the Faisal Mosque campus and its surrounding neighborhoods quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention. These sightings are not entirely unexpected, as the area borders the Margalla Hills, which serve as a natural habitat for leopards and other wildlife. The hills’ dense forest cover and rugged terrain provide a suitable environment for these animals, occasionally resulting in their appearance near urban settlements.
In response to the situation, the IWMB has taken proactive steps to inform residents living near the Margalla foothills, including students and faculty members of the International Islamic University Islamabad. The board has disseminated detailed safety guidelines and standard operating procedures, urging the public to exercise caution. People have been advised to avoid any attempts to approach or provoke the leopard and to immediately notify wildlife authorities if they encounter the animal.
Authorities have also heightened security and monitoring efforts in popular hiking trails and recreational spots close to the Margalla Hills, where the leopard might venture. Dedicated wildlife teams are actively tracking the animal’s movements using both ground patrols and technological tools to ensure the leopard is safely captured if necessary. The goal remains to protect both human lives and the well-being of the leopard, emphasizing humane treatment throughout the process.
Officials highlighted that such encounters, while uncommon, are a natural consequence of Islamabad’s proximity to wildlife habitats. They urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially during early morning and evening hours when wildlife activity tends to increase. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board reassured the public that all measures are being taken to manage the situation responsibly, balancing the need for public safety with conservation efforts.
