Qatari royal caught in falcon sting in Pakistan

Custom officials in Pakistan have seized 74 falcons from a Qatari royal after he tried to transport the birds into the country without the correct documentation, it was reported Thursday.

The birds of prey, which include the highly prized Houbara bustard, were being transported into the country for hunting birds and other animals, the BBC reported.

Officials in Karachi said the owner did not have permission to bring so many birds into the country.  “The documentation provided by the embassy had permission for only 40 falcons,” Qamaruddin Thalo, spokesman for the customs department told the BBC.

The Qatari royal had tried to bring in 114 falcons, he said. “We now have all the birds in custody and have asked the embassy to furnish an explanation in three days.”

Members of GCC royal families receive special dispensation for bringing falcons into Pakistan for hunting purposes.

“It’s something that's illegal and unprecedented elsewhere in the world,” Dr Rab Nawaz, local representative of the World Wildlife Federation told the BBC. “But the Arabs sheikhs are allowed due to our 'special relationship' with them.”

Falcons, a prized status symbol in the region, are used across the Middle East for hunting. Centuries ago Bedouin tribesmen used the birds of prey to hunt for meat. Today, they are national symbols of the UAE and are featured on road signs as well as its currency.

Around 18,000 falcons are currently registered in the UAE, according to the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. Wealthy Gulf nationals and royals regularly gather for hunting expeditions in Russia and Kazakhstan as well as speed races.