Minister for strict action against bear hunting in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik has taken serious notice of the “illegal hunting” of a Himalayan black bear in Tangir, Gilgit-Baltistan.

The development came after a video showing three individuals manhandling the carcass of a Himalayan black bear, allegedly after killing it in the remote Tangir, an additional district of Diamer, went viral on social media. The video sparked outrage on social media, with activists condemning the brutality.

Following the public backlash, a man seen in the video issued a video statement claiming that the bear was already dead when discovered six months ago. He said he recorded the video and uploaded it to Facebook, after which the Forest Department initiated an inquiry. “I did not hunt the bear illegally,” he added.

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According to a statement from the ministry, Malik has reached out to Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan to ensure timely and coordinated action on the matter.

Calling violent actions against wildlife “unacceptable,” the minister directed authorities to take swift and effective measures in response. The ministry  said that an FIR has been registered against those involved, and legal proceedings are underway. It said the process of identifying and arresting the suspects was underway, with the cooperation of the local community.

The minister also instructed Wildlife Management Boards to take immediate and effective steps to prevent such incidents. Malik reaffirmed that wildlife protection laws will be strictly enforced across the country.