Azad Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2014 (Act IV of 2015).

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2014, consisting of 85 sections divided into eleven Chapters and completed by three Schedules, aims to fulfill the obligations envisaged under the biodiversity related Multilateral Environmental Agreements ratified by the Government of Pakistan, through promotion of public awareness for proper appreciation of environmental significance and socio-economic values of wildlife, conservation of biological diversity and realization of its intrinsic and extrinsic values through sustainable use and community participation and empowerment of community, community based organizations and non-governmental organizations for conservation of biological diversity and their participation in its management for sustainable use.
The Wildlife and Fisheries Department is in charge to enforces this Act as a technical and focal organization for matters relating to wildlife and biodiversity in the State and shall stand mandated to perform the following functions: formulate policies and regulations for sustainable management of wildlife and biodiversity; enforce policies, legislation and regulations; establish and maintain Protected Areas of various categories including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Private or Community Game Reserves; establish and maintain Wildlife/ Safari Parks, Wildlife Refugees, Wildlife Farms, Zoological Garden, wildlife breeding centers etc.; maintain and promote the status of wildlife and biodiversity, both with In-situ and Ex-situ conservation measures; prepare, maintain and update wildlife data and state of affairs’ reports; carry out conservation, education and awareness regarding wildlife and biodiversity; develop human and other resources for promotion and sustainable management of wildlife and biodiversity; prepare and implement periodic and annual development plans for wildlife and biodiversity; assist the government in implementing the biodiversity related Multi-lateral Environmental Treaties and Programs, ratified by the government of Pakistan; maintain and promote working relationship with wildlife and biodiversity related national and international organizations; coordinate with the federal, state and district administration for obtaining their support in conservation and management of wildlife and biodiversity, etc.
The Act is divided as follows: Organization of the Wildlife and Fisheries Department (Chap. 2); Hunting of Wildlife (Chap. 3); Possession of Wildlife (Chap. 4); Trade and Traffic of Wildlife (Chap. 5); Protected Areas (Chap. 6); Community Participation in Wildlife Management (Chap. 7); Ex-situ Conservation of Wildlife (Chap. 8); Powers of Government and Officers (Chap. 9); Trial of Wildlife Offences (Chap. 10); Repeals and Savings (Chap. 11). Schedule 1 lists Game Animals which may only be hunted, killed or captured by the holder of License: Part-1 (Animals which may be hunted on an Ordinary Game Hunting License) and Part –II ( Animals for the hunting of which a special permit is required). Schedule 2 lists Animals, Trophies or Meat for the Possession, Transfer or Export of which a Certificate of Lawful Possession is required. Schedule 3 lists Protected Animals which shall not be hunted, Killed or captured.