Islamabad Wildlife Management Board faces criticism for restructuring

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has been dissolved and reconstituted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), with new members primarily from civil service. Previous board members criticized this move as illegal and detrimental to environmental protection. Civil society groups have filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court to restore the old board, arguing that the new board does not meet legal requirements for expertise in biodiversity and wildlife management. They claim the process was rushed and flawed. The World Wide Fund for Nature has condemned the restructuring, stating it threatens conservation efforts in Margalla Hills National Park. They urge the inclusion of independent experts to ensure effective decision-making in wildlife management.