A cheetah was spotted near the boundary wall of the New Islamabad International Airport, causing alarm among airport authorities and security personnel.
According to reports, CCTV footage captured the cheetah moving along the airport’s perimeter. Upon noticing the animal, airport officials immediately informed the Wildlife Department.
The cheetah was seen late at night near the airport’s boundary, and its movements were observed both on camera and by patrolling staff.
The footage shows the animal running along the fence toward the nearby forested area.
Initially, the Islamabad Wildlife Department was alerted, but since the airport technically falls within Punjab’s jurisdiction, the case was referred to the Punjab Wildlife Department, Rawalpindi.
A team from the Punjab Wildlife Department visited the site and found paw prints indicating that the cheetah had moved deeper into the forest, though it had disappeared by the time officials arrived.
Speaking to Express News, officials from the Wildlife Department said the airport administration has been instructed to reinforce fencing near the forest area and maintain surveillance for the next four to five days.
Authorities were also directed to immediately report any renewed sightings or movement of the cheetah so that appropriate action can be taken.
Meanwhile, Airport Security Force (ASF) officials confirmed that the cheetah was seen outside the airport premises, in the adjoining civilian area.
