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PESHAWAR, Jan 24 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protect migratory cranes and protect natural habitats of birds across province.
Presiding over a meeting on migratory cranes on Saturday, Secretary, Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Junaid Khan, clarified that there is a complete ban on hunting, smuggling and illegal possession of cranes in the province and no violation will be tolerated.
Briefing the meeting, Chief Conservator Wildlife Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Mohsin Farooq, said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an important migratory bird corridor on the Indus Flyway. He said that species like Common Crane and Demoiselle Crane visit the province every year from September to March and use water bodies, riverbanks and agricultural lands here for rest and food.
The meeting was informed that tactics such as indiscriminate shooting, setting traps and using recorded sounds for illegal hunting of cranes have been completely banned.
Cranes can only be kept in a limited and regulated manner under official permits, while their hunting and trading remain strictly prohibited.
Addressing the meeting, Crane Association President Barkatullah highlighted that raising cranes is a cherished tradition in Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and other southern districts. He noted that current official permits restrict owners to keeping only eight pairs of cranes. On behalf of the association, he formally requested that government increase this limit to 15 pairs per permit.
Addressing the meeting, Junaid Khan said that migratory cranes are our natural heritage and violation of wildlife laws will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He directed representatives of Cranes Association to contact Wildlife Department in case of any legal demand, so that all decisions can be made in accordance with environmental protection and existing laws.