ISLAMABAD, Saturday, July 12, 2025 (WNP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, has ordered urgent and decisive action following the brutal killing of a black bear in Tangir, a remote region of Gilgit-Baltistan, an incident that has ignited nationwide condemnation and intensified demands for tougher enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Calling the act “utterly unacceptable,” Dr. Malik vowed that violence against wildlife will not be tolerated. “We will ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. Justice must be served — not just for this bear, but to send a clear message that Pakistan will not allow such cruelty against its natural heritage,” he declared.

An official FIR has been registered against the culprits, while local authorities, in coordination with community members, are actively working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.

The minister also directed Wildlife Management Boards to launch a full-scale investigation and pursue prosecution without delay. In a strong signal of high-level oversight, he announced that he would personally coordinate with Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister to ensure accountability and legal follow-through.

“This is not an isolated incident,” Dr. Malik noted. “It reflects a broader challenge in the enforcement of conservation laws. We are determined to close these gaps.”

The killing of the black bear, a species already endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting, has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and conservation groups who are demanding stronger protections and community awareness.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to wildlife preservation, Dr. Malik urged citizens to become active participants in protecting Pakistan’s biodiversity. “Our wildlife is not just a national treasure — it is part of our identity. Protecting it is a responsibility we all share,” he emphasized.

The tragic incident has reignited the national conversation around wildlife rights, conservation education, and the need for stricter penalties for poaching and animal cruelty.