The Balochistan government on Tuesday defended issuing hunting licenses to Arab royals for hunting Houbara Bustards in the province, arguing that there was legal provision to allow hunts under specific guidelines in addition to permits being issued for a small number of birds. It further requested the Supreme Court to allow the practice under a strict code of conduct.
Additional Advocate General Balochistan, while submitting the provincial government’s reply in the apex court on alleged illegal hunting permits issued to Gulf royals, argued that since the Houbara Bustard was a migratory bird, its hunting may be allowed in limited numbers under strict supervision of the provincial forest and wildlife department. It added that petition was devoid of merit and should thus be dismissed.
The Supreme Court is hearing a petition against illegal hunting permits issued to royal visitors from Gulf countries to hunt the rare bird despite a ban.
The petitioner requested the bench to cancel all licences issued for hunting Houbara Bustards, further urging the court to restrain the Foreign Office from issuing such permits to foreigners with strict action against officials who issued the licenses.
