Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan has accused Capital Development Authority (CDA) personnel of illegally storming the visitor information center located on Trail 6 to take possession of the building.
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rina stated, “CDA thugs are now attacking the IWMB Visitor Information Center on Trail 6, which is part of the declared Leopard Preserve Zone, to take over the building for which we have official handing over papers (the building was made by the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation, not CDA).” A video shared by Rina shows CDA clearing the office of IWMB furniture.
URGENT: CDA thugs are now attacking IWMB Visitor Information Centre on Trail 6 which is part of the declared Leopard Preserve Zone to take over building for which we have official handing over papers (building was made by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation NOT CDA) @WildlifeBoard pic.twitter.com/37lK54SPMx
— Rina S Khan Satti (@rinasaeed) February 15, 2024
Apparently there is a cold war going on between the CDA and IWMB over Margazar Zoo.
URGENT: CDA thugs have come this morning and taken over our Visitor Info Center on Trail 5 throwing out IWMB furniture. This building was made by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation not CDA and we have handing over documents. We are going to police and courts now! @WildlifeBoard pic.twitter.com/MKHKFY61t5
— Rina S Khan Satti (@rinasaeed) February 15, 2024
Earlier this week, the IWMB filed a contempt case against the CDA for failing to comply with the Islamabad High Court's May 11, 2020, decision regarding the Islamabad Zoo. The verdict ruled, "It is declared, therefore, that the Zoo, its management, and all other matters relating thereto fall within the jurisdiction and competence of the Board of Management constituted under the Wildlife Ordinance of 1979." Rina has stated that the zoo's management was transferred to the IWMB, and nowhere does it state that an international-quality zoo should be restored.
The contempt case, filed in the Islamabad High Court, stems from the Capital Development Authority's repeated attempts to recover the Islamabad Zoo. The civic body said that its goal was to reopen the zoo after taking over administrative authority from the IWMB, as well as to provide educational and recreational possibilities to families, students, and nature enthusiasts. Last week, the IWMB stated that it was currently in contact with the media to express its stance, as well as considering additional possibilities, including legal action to keep Islamabad Zoo. Two weeks ago, IWMB welcomed the media for an exclusive tour to highlight the work completed and future plans since taking over Margazar Zoo three years ago.