LAKKI MARWAT: The wildlife department has decided to strengthen its checkposts to curb illegal trafficking of birds and animals.

The decision was taken at a meeting held in Bannu on Wednesday with divisional forest officer, wildlife, Khan Malook Khan in the chair. Lakki Marwat sub-divisional wildlife officer Mir Aslam Khan and other officials were in attendance.

Mr Malook said vigilance by wildlife officials had helped foil several birds’ smuggling bids and arrest of carriers. He said the strengthening of wildlife checkposts was inevitable to control illegal trafficking of birds and animals.

He underlined the need for mobilising raid parties to check poaching in the area, saying the wildlife officials showing outstanding performance would be rewarded.

He also asked the wildlife officials to sensitise people to the role of wildlife in the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, elders of Kurrum Par area of Lakki have asked the police to launch result-oriented action against anti-social elements.

A group of elders from Wanda Shahabkhel village met district police chief Tariq Habib at his office on Wednesday and discussed with him matters pertaining to peace in the area.

An elder told the police chief that they had formed a peace body to work with police and security forces to maintain tranquillity in the region. “We want peace and elimination of miscreants on our soil,” he maintained.

The other elders assured to extend full support to law enforcers in actions against anti-peace elements and miscreants. They said joint efforts by people and law enforcement agencies would help maintain law and order, curb crimes and root out militancy from the trans-river belt.

On the occasion, Mr Habib acknowledged the sacrifices of elders during the fight against militancy.

He said police and peace bodies would work jointly to maintain peace and provide protection to citizens.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2023