PHC seeks wildlife dept's response over zoo deaths.

PESHAWAR -- The Peshawar High Court has directed the wildlife department's secretary and chief conservator and Peshawar Zoo director to respond to a petition seeking an inquiry into the death of zoo animals in recent months.

A bench consisting of Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan and Justice Mohammad Naeem Anwar issued notices to the three respondents after holding preliminary hearing into the petition jointly filed by 24 civil society activists for the improvement of zoo conditions.

The bench directed the secretary, chief conservator and zoo director to file their respective replies to the petition on the next hearing.

The petitioners also prayed the court to order the immediate shifting of the animals, which can't stand Peshawar's weather, to their natural habitats or suitable sanctuaries.

Civil society activists call for improvement of zoo conditions

They also sought restriction on the keeping of such animals in the Peshawar Zoo.

The petitioners include Dr Ali Jan, Dr Adil Zareef, Jahan Mahmud Aurangzeb, Rukhsana Kuli Khan Khattak, Farzana Khan Wasim and others.

Ali Gohar Durrani, lawyer for the petitioners, requested the court to ask the authorities to make Peshawar Zoo an environmentally-friendly place by planting trees according to international standards and hire trained and experienced staff to look after the animals kept there.

He said a laboratory should be set up for the diagnosis of diseases among animals and prescription of medicines.

The lawyer said the final relief for his clients was the establishment of...