Draft to curb wildlife species trade in line

Islamabad

The ministry of climate change has prepared draft of National Action Plan to curb illegal trade of wildlife species in line with the international protocols and agreements, the sources said.

The sources said the ministry would hold a meeting next week in which the draft of National Action Plan would be shared with the relevant ministers of the provinces.

"The National Action Plan would focus on curbing the illegal trade of wildlife species both in parts or derivatives in coordination with the provincial wildlife departments," the sources said.

The spokesman of the Climate Change Ministry said the smuggling of wildlife species, particularly those which are endangered, can be effectively curtailed through implementation of laws and imposition of fines.

"Pakistan being party to the Convention on International Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora, does not allow illegal import or export of wildlife. A National Action Plan is being prepared to stop illegal trade of wildlife species," he said.  He said the illegal wildlife trade has become such a serious issue that if not checked now it may lead to extinction of many species of wild plants and animals.  "In view of this, international community including United Nations, CITES, INTERPOL, NGOs, have called upon countries to work together to curb illegal trade of wildlife," he said.