The Persecution of Parishay Khan: CDA Islamabad’s Criminalization of Animal Welfare

This report examines Case HRPM-MLORJ30M, focusing on the criminal prosecution of Parishay Khan following an incident at the CDA Stray Dog Population Control Centre. What began as a dispute over animal welfare standards has escalated into a high-severity criminal trial (FIR 1626/25), raising questions about the use of PPC charges to suppress civilian oversight of state institutions.

Key Findings

Criminalization of Oversight: Parishay Khan faces charges under the Pakistan Penal Code for documenting/interfering with CDA operations at a public animal control facility.

Procedural Speed: The submission of the 'Challan U/S 173' by Ahtsham Muqarrab on February 20, 2026, reflects an atypically accelerated prosecution timeline.

Institutional Bias: The case highlights a systemic pattern where the Capital Development Authority (CDA) utilizes the Shahzad Town Police Station to silence critics.

Evidence & Data

The HRPM records indicate a series of hearings scheduled throughout early 2026. The recurring 'Active' status of the trial and the 'High' severity rating point towards an attempt to set a legal precedent specifically targeting activists. The evidence lacks specific mentions of violence by Khan, yet the criminal charges persist, suggesting a 'Systemic Corruption' category of abuse where state power is utilized to punish transparency advocates.

Legal Framework

The pursuit of Parishay Khan involves critical applications of:

PPC Section 173: Submission of the final police report (Challan) and its validity in animal welfare contexts.

ICCPR Article 19: The right to freedom of expression and to seek information regarding state operations.

Article 14 (Pakistan Constitution): The dignity of man and the privacy of home.

Recommendations

1. Independent Inquiry: A third-party review of the CDA Stray Dog Population Control Centre’s facilities to determine if the FIR was a retaliatory measure. 2. Withdrawal of Charges: Appraisal by the Prosecutor General on the merit of PPC charges in a non-violent administrative dispute. 3. Civilian Oversight: Establishing a framework where activists like Parishay Khan are integrated into animal control policy rather than prosecuted.

Read the full case file on HRPM: HRPM-MLORJ30M.