ISLAMABAD, October 17, 2024: As the Pukhtuns in Khyber convened a jirga demanding peace, students in Punjab took to the streets calling for justice, while Islamabad residents faced a lockdown situation, with shops forced to close and police taking action against those who attempted to open.
Amid this social unrest, wildlife in the region is also facing significant challenges. Monkeys in the nearby hills are reportedly being fed harmful, plastic-wrapped snacks by tourists, poisoning both the animals and their habitats.
This situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Wildlife Department, which is responsible for their protection.
Critics argue that if there were freedom of speech, these monkeys would be protesting against the very department meant to safeguard them.
Allegations have surfaced that the Wildlife Department is selling these animals to contractors, who prioritize profit over environmental conservation, further threatening the natural beauty of Galiyat, a critical sanctuary for wildlife.
Avid trekker Umer Ali Khan noted that the popular trails to Mushkpuri and Miranjani have been damaged due to the transportation of tourists on horses, making them unsafe for hikers.
Observers believe that the Secretary of Forests and Wildlife remains unaware of the mismanagement occurring under his watch in Peshawar, jeopardizing both the jungle and its wildlife—issues that could have serious repercussions for the province’s tourism industry.
Reports indicate that the Mushkpuri track has been subcontracted by the Wildlife Department to contractors who seem more focused on recouping costs than maintaining the trail.
This has led to increased environmental degradation, transforming once-safe areas into zones of destruction where both wildlife and adventure-seeking tourists are at risk.
In light of these pressing concerns, local environmental advocates are calling for greater accountability and action to protect the region’s natural resources and wildlife.