ISLAMABAD: There is no shortage of food for animals at Marghazar Zoo, Zoo and Wildlife Director Rana Tahir Hassan said on Sunday.

When contacted following reports that the zoo’s food supply has been discontinued, Mr Hassan told Dawn the contractor is providing food regularly.

“All animals are being given food regularly, there is no cut or break in the supply,” he said.

He added that media reports were based on a letter from the contractor in which he asked the zoo authorities for a new contract as his dues were pending.

“Following the letter, which we received on Thursday, we met with the contractor and convinced him to continue the supply,” he said, adding that a Rs4 million payment to the contractor is pending but will be released soon.

“The file is in process. Hopefully in the next few days his entire pending payment will be released,” he said.

He said a separate case is also in process to award a new contract for the food supply, as a new contract has not been made since 2016.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2019