ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): Senate Sub-Committee on Environment Wednesday recommended allocation of funds in Public Sector Development Programme to set up a Wildlife Fund for Balochistan.

The Committee, presided over by Senator Bibi Yasmeen Shah at the Parliament House considered matters relating to the wildlife and suggested a separate wild life department in Balochistan.

The meeting also recommended that special efforts be made for protecting the endangered species and a complete ban may be imposed on their hunting.

It was pointed out that forests are presently controlled by the forest department as well as by the wildlife department, as a result of which the problems in preserving the precious wildlife are being multiplied.

It was decided that the Ministry of Law and the forest department should be invited in the next meeting of the Committee to resolve the issue of dual authority.

The Sub-Committee termed it unfortunate that National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW) having a pivotal role in the policy formulation and inter-provincial coordination was not playing an effective role and there was a need to reform NCCW so as to make it more effective and vibrant.

It was suggested NCCW should be made part of the Ministry of Environment instead of placing it under the control of the IG Forests.

The Committee during its marathon session, appreciated the role being played by the NWFP wildlife under the supervision of Chief Conservator, Mumtaz Malik in protecting the wildlife.

The Committee was of the view that as the policy to obtain diploma/degree in Forestry was contributing significantly in ensuring the practical concept of habitat protection which is essential to wildlife conservation, the model being the “success story” be emulated in all the four provinces including AJK and NAs.

Senator Jamal Khan Leghari suggested that the government-run breeding centres or zoos must provide an integrated training programme in which foreign experts in wildlife and veterinary experts should come to Pakistan and conduct courses for local experts to enable them gain technical skills to protect the wild animals.

He noted with concern that various precious animals were dying in various zoos of the country due to lack of proper care.

The Convener of the Committee, Senator Bibi Yasmeen Shah complemented the wildlife department for initiating community based Trophy Hunting Programme with a view to save the threatened species like Snow Leopard, Suleman Markhor, Estore Markhor and Western Tragopan.

The Committee was of the opinion that the areas/forests that were threatened by habitat destruction should be identified and notified as National Parks for the wildlife.

The Committee was informed about the functions and performance of National Council for Conservation of Wildlife.

The Committee was briefed in detail about the wildlife species of Pakistan, facing threats to their existence.

It was informed that steps were being taken to protect the endangered species. It was stated that national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, game reserves etc. have been established to protect and conserve the wildlife.

The Committee was also apprised of the various projects launched to conserve the wildlife both at the provincial and federal level.

The Committee assured its all out support to the wildlife department in removing the bottlenecks in the way of implementation of policies, aimed at protecting and conserving the wildlife.

The meeting was also attended by Senators Shuja-ul-Mulk, Mir Mohabat Khan Marri besides the Secretary Environment and senior officials of the Ministry.