A leopard was reportedly seen near the Margalla jogging trail in Islamabad on Sunday evening scaring the people who were jogging at the trail. On informing, the rescue teams of Capital Development Authority (CDA) arrived there and helped the hikers to descend from the jogging trail-5.
Mohammad Tahir and Bill, who were jogging at the trail, informed the CDA rescue team on seeing the leopard and the team arrived at the site and rescued some stuck up hikers near the Judges' enclave. But the reported leopard had not been traced till filing of this report.
According to some reports, it was a female leopard and had given birth to cubs in the Margalla hills, and at some times it comes down for drinking water. The leopard has been seen twice in the Margalla hills during last five days. Mustafain Kazmi, spokesman of CDA, said that there are two leopards--one male and a female--and the female had given birth to three cubs. He said that these leopards are residents of the hills and are familiar with the environment and are not dangerous as long as there is no threat for them from the people.
He advised the hikers not to go at night in the area where the leopards are stated to be living. He said that soon after getting the information, CDA officials had sent the rescue team to the site and cleared the area. It may be mentioned that a few days back a citizen had also reported to CDA that he had seen a leopard near Margalla jogging trail but it could not be traced in the search conducted.