Hunting of Sonchiraiya (The Indian Bustard), protected all over the world, has been allowed in Pakistan. This is Pakistan’s own way of protecting the environment and wildlife, which the whole world does not agree with. Pakistan has given this permission to 14 Arab personalities in which it is said that they can hunt Son Chiriya.
According to the Pakistani newspaper ‘Dawn’, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry has sent a recommendation to the provincial government to allow hunting of these birds under the forest laws. Hunting of these birds is allowed in Sindh province.
A Pakistani newspaper has said that this year the federal government has allowed 14 Arab personalities to hunt these birds. The 14 persons whose names are included in this list include the Prime Minister of Qatar, the President of the UAE. The Sindh government had held a meeting of the provincial cabinet two weeks ago in this regard.
Wildlife expert said that after hearing in the court on this controversial subject, permission was given for hunting of Son Chiraiya. Now whether or not to allow hunting of these birds depends on the provincial government.
Last year, the Pakistani government allowed Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman and some others to hunt Son Chiraiya. Poachers have selected Baluchistan and Punjab region for hunting the bird.
In the year 2020, the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan in its statement had asked for an immediate ban on hunting of these birds.
