Rina Saeed Khan accused of corruption, experts argue such legal actions may weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement
The Federal Investigation Agency’s investigation into former Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) chairperson Rina Saeed Khan has sparked backlash from conservationists, with the Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP) saying attacking people committed to nature protection could weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement.
An FIR was registered against Khan last month, accusing her of financial irregularity, abuse of authority and breach of trust.
The report alleges that Khan received donations into his personal account while in service and that he approved the transfer of grizzly bears to Four Paws, an international organization, without obtaining full board approval. She is also accused of sanctioning certain contacts without following due procedure.
Read: Former IWMB president booked for graft
Khan refuted all allegations, calling them baseless and motivated by malice, while the AFP also expressed concern about the judicial process.
He maintains that a commission of inquiry from the Ministry of Climate Change had already confirmed that there was no evidence of financial or administrative irregularities during his mandate.
Although the Islamabad High Court granted provisional bail to Khan, ordering him to cooperate with the investigation, environmental organizations and civil society representatives continue to express concern over the case.
In a statement issued by the AFP Executive Committee, it was noted that Khan had taken several important measures during his tenure, including those at Margalla Hills National Park, where he initiated habitat restoration, rehabilitation of injured wildlife and promotion of outdoor activities.
Emphasizing that encouraging people involved in environmental protection is a shared responsibility of the State and society, the statement added that legal matters must be handled with fairness and transparency, ensuring that environmental protection efforts remain free of personal or political influences.
Read more: Former IWMB boss rejects corruption allegations
Conservationists have warned that such actions against people involved in environmental conservation could harm Pakistan’s efforts to protect its wildlife and natural heritage.
The AFP concluded its statement by expressing its solidarity with all the experts and volunteers who, without any personal interest, work to preserve the country’s natural landscapes, biodiversity and ecological balance.
