Rina Saeed Khan accused of graft, experts say such legal action could weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement
The Federal Investigation Agency’s probe into former Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) chairperson Rina Saeed Khan has drawn backlash from conservationists, with the Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP) saying targeting individuals committed to protecting nature could weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement.
An FIR was registered against Khan last month accusing her of financial impropriety, abuse of authority and breach of trust.
The report alleges that Khan received donations in her personal account while she served, and that she approved the transfer of brown bears to Four Paws, an international organization, without securing full board approval. She is also accused of sanctioning certain contacts without following due process.
Read: Ex-IWMB chair booked for graft
Khan has denied all allegations, calling them baseless and motivated by malice, while the AFP has also expressed concern about the trial.
She claims that an inquiry committee under the Ministry of Climate Change had already confirmed that there was no evidence of financial or administrative irregularities during her tenure.
Although the Islamabad High Court has granted Khan interim bail and ordered her to cooperate with the investigation, environmental organizations and civil society representatives continue to express concern over the case.
A statement issued by AFP’s executive committee noted that Khan had taken several significant measures during her tenure – including those in the Margalla Hills National Park, where she initiated habitat restoration, rehabilitation of injured wildlife and promotion of outdoor activities.
Emphasizing that encouraging individuals engaged in environmental protection is a shared responsibility of the state and society, the statement added that legal issues must be handled with fairness and transparency, ensuring that environmental protection efforts remain free from personal or political influence.
Read more: Ex-IWMB chief denies graft claims
Conservationists have warned that such actions against individuals engaged in environmental conservation could damage Pakistan’s efforts to protect its wildlife and natural heritage.
AFP concluded its statement by expressing solidarity with all experts and volunteers who, without any personal interest, work to preserve the country’s natural landscapes, biodiversity and ecological balance.
