Injured Female Leopard (Malka) Passes Away, Save Wildlife

Once again, my heart feels heavy with sadness, and the reason is the death of an injured female leopard, Malka. On September 7, this wounded leopard was rescued from Azad Kashmir. Her condition was critical, and her injuries were so severe that it was heartbreaking to see. Both of Malka’s hind legs were wounded, and it seemed as if someone had brutally cut her legs. On September 12, medical reports revealed that Malka had been shot four times at close range in the chest. Her kidneys were damaged, and she was also suffering from jaundice and liver disease. Despite removing the bullets, her chances of recovery were slim, but there was still hope that she might heal and once again grace the beauty of the forest. Unfortunately, time did not heal her wounds, and Malka bid farewell to this world. But for how long will this continue? How long will wildlife suffer at the hands of human cruelty?

Islamabad Wildlife successfully rescued the leopard from Azad Kashmir and provided her treatment in a rehabilitation center, where she was placed under intensive care. However, the question remains: why is this the second such incident in Azad Kashmir? And no one seems to have an answer. Malka was an animal, not a human, so there was no one to file an FIR or seek justice for her in court.

I don’t understand why we keep hearing about injured leopards from Azad Kashmir. Who are these cruel humans who take away the lives of these wild animals? In August, there was another incident involving a leopard. A female leopard, with an injured tail, was found by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. After treatment in the rehabilitation center, she was released back into the forests of Azad Kashmir.

Looking back, in 2022, there was another tragic incident when a leopard died suddenly in Margalla Hills National Park. The leopard had fallen from a height due to a heart attack, causing its skull to fracture. Often, travelers would spot a leopard while visiting Monal in the Margalla Hills and film it. It is unclear if that leopard also fled in fear and fell from the heights.

Why do these incidents keep happening? Sure, animals can fall or get injured, but how do such severe injuries occur? Apologies, but half of our nation seems to attack this beautiful creature out of fear that it might harm them. Humans can be so selfish and insensitive, thinking only of themselves. Many people don’t realize that if these rare and beautiful animals no longer exist, the environment will not remain favorable.

Every few days, we hear of another injured leopard. Now, with the changing season, winter is approaching, and wild leopards are often seen near rural areas of Margalla Hills. Sadly, they are met with cruel treatment. There must be strict laws for the protection of wildlife, including leopards. Those who harm wildlife should face severe punishment. The Wildlife Management Board should conduct training workshops for residents of Margalla Hills, teaching them how to protect both their lives and the wildlife. It shouldn’t be that they kill a wild animal just to save themselves.

Malka is gone, but there are still many queens and kings in the forests. We must protect them.