A case has been formally registered at the Secretariat Police Station concerning the killing of rare migratory flamingos at Rawal Lake in Islamabad. This action follows weeks of public outcry from environmentalists and wildlife conservationists.
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a complaint submitted by the Deputy Director of Fisheries. It pertains to the illegal hunting incident that took place on June 3, 2026, targeting flamingos at the lake.
Authorities have initiated proceedings under the Wildlife Management Act and the Fisheries Ordinance. The case names three workers employed by the lake’s fishing contractor, along with several unidentified suspects, as accused parties.
This development comes after an investigation revealed that approximately 12 to 13 flamingos were shot, a blow described by wildlife officials as a significant setback to ongoing conservation efforts. Notably, these flamingos had recently returned to Rawal Lake after being absent for several years.
Earlier, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) launched an inquiry following reports that hunters targeted a flock of flamingos and other waterbirds. Investigators collected spent cartridges and additional evidence from the site as part of their probe.
The killing caused widespread alarm due to the rarity of flamingo sightings at Rawal Lake. Experts emphasized that flamingos are usually found in other wetland habitats, making their recent presence at this lake especially important.
In the aftermath, the surviving birds reportedly left the area, raising concerns among conservationists about potential impacts on future migratory patterns. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has taken note of the incident and vowed strict action against those violating wildlife protection laws.
Investigations are ongoing, and further legal measures will depend on the inquiry’s findings.
