Former official raises concerns over affairs of IWMB

2026-02-27 - 20:04

A former senior official of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has called for greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the board, alleging administrative irregularities during the tenure of its previous leadership. Addressing a press conference at the Islamabad Press Club, Dr. Tariq Mahmood Bangash, former Director of the IWMB, shared his concerns regarding certain financial and administrative decisions taken under former Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan and Board Member Waqar Zakaria. Dr. Bangash stated that some matters are currently under review by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which has registered FIR No. 87/2025 to examine the issues raised. He said the investigation process had faced initial legal challenges but is now proceeding in accordance with the law. Without going into specific conclusions, Dr. Bangash pointed to what he described as procedural lapses in procurement processes, the disbursement of allowances and benefits, and the management of certain funds, including those received from foreign sources. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry to establish the facts. The former director also expressed reservations about the handling and transfer of animals from the Marghzar Zoo following its closure. He suggested that questions remain regarding whether all procedures were properly followed and called for a transparent review of the decisions taken at the time. In addition, Dr. Bangash referred to broader administrative actions affecting certain businesses, including La Montana and Monal, during anti-encroachment operations. He said these measures had generated public debate and underscored the need for balanced enforcement of regulations while safeguarding employment and investment. Dr. Bangash maintained that his objective in raising these concerns is to promote accountability and institutional reform rather than target individuals. He said he plans to share further documentation in due course to support his position. The IWMB has played a significant role in wildlife conservation and environmental protection in the federal capital, and observers say that transparency and strong governance remain essential for maintaining public confidence in its mandate. When approached for comment, Dr Rina S Khan termed the allegations a pack of lies and said the former director was a disgruntled employee who was removed on allegations of harassment. On “distribution” of animals among the favourites, she sid the animals were shifted to Ayub Park and the zoo was closed on the orders of the Hon’ble Islamabad High Court. She said certain lobby was active against her since the closure of eateries over the Margalla Hills and the former employee it seemed was planted by that lobby. She futher said that she reserved the right to move a defamation suit against the said disgruntled employee.