Summary
This bill is meant to establish measures to protect, preserve, conserve and manage nature in the Islamabad Capital Territory. Conceptually, the bill can be divided into three parts: definitions, penalties and enforcement, and schedules.
In the first part of the bill, Part 1 serves as an introduction, providing an overview of the bill’s scope and key definitions. For example, “animal” is defined as “mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, or arachnids” including their young or eggs, but excludes “livestock and poultry”. Part II delves into the establishment of the governing board, outlining its composition, procedural aspects, powers, functions, and other relevant provisions. Part III addresses matters such as conflicts of interest, disqualification criteria, removal procedures, resignations, and vacancies. Part IV engages in financial aspects. Part V refers to protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, buffer zones around protected areas and alteration of boundaries of protected areas.
Part VI marks the beginning of the second part of the bill. Part VII emphasizes the protection of flora and fauna, while Part VIII addresses offenses, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms. These penalties include fines and imprisonment, as examples: suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates, wherein the Board has the power to seize wild animals and related equipment from unauthorized possession or use. It is established that it is not an offense to kill or capture a wild animal in self-defense, but such incidents must be reported to the Board. The Board has other powers, such as to search without a warrant in limited circumstances, and prevent the commission of offenses. Part IX tackles the subject of Court, such as the appointment of magistrates and appeals. Part X addresses general dispositions, such as wildlife check posts, indemnity, and the bar of jurisdiction, an act to override other laws, power to make rules, and others as outlined in paragraphs 34 to 41.
The third part of the bill is disposed of on Schedule I, in which the protected animals are laid out. Schedule II displays the value of the penalties for the violations.