LHC calls Punjab cabinet summary over houbara hunting permits

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday ordered the government of Punjab to produce the summary of the cabinet’s decision about issuing permits for hunting the endangered bird Houbara Bustard in the province, ARY News reported.

The court while hearing a petition challenging issuence of the hunting pertimits also issued a notice to houbara bustard protection foundation.

Director General Wildlife Punjab informed the bench headed by Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that after sufficient increase in the growth of the endangered bird, a permit has been issued for hunting 100 birds within 10 days.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah on Wednesday had directed the government’s counsel to present the required record of the cabinet decision.

Advocate Sardar Kalim Ilyas, on behalf of the petitioner, said the government had violated several international laws by awarding hunting permits to Qatari royal family. He said the government had issued the permits without the cabinet’s approval, which is mandatory under the law.

He argued that the government had misinterpreted a judgement of the Supreme Court to issue the hunting permits.

Presenting the operative part of the apex court’s judgement, Advocate Ilyas said the government had not been given permission to allow hunting of internationally protected birds. The counsel requested the court to set aside the hunting permits granted to the royal family of Qatar.

The bench adjourned the hearing till the first week of January issued notice to Taloor (houbara bustard) Foundation and also called the summary of the cabinet decision with regard to the issuance of hunting permits of the protected bird.