Latest news with #PunjabWildlifeAct
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Lahore's limits: CM directs grand operation to protect passenger aircrafts
Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to launch a grand operation to protect passenger aircrafts within Lahore's limits, and mobilized District Administration, Wildlife and Environment Protection Authority for the purpose. She directed the Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to mobilize Punjab's first Wildlife Force, and decided to dismantle illegal slaughterhouses and poultry farms near airports. She also directed the relevant authorities to strictly implement laws and regulations for garbage disposal of bakeries near airports, and said, 'There will be a ban on doing any kind of business near airports that may create a risk of birds gathering.' In this regard; Punjab government has issued an order, which says, 'Poultry farms, bakeries and slaughterhouses established without environmental protection arrangements will be banned.' The notification added, 'Strict application of environmental regulations will be ensured for companies that manufacture leather and leather products, besides a ban on open skinning of animal hides. Moreover, there will be a complete ban on throwing garbage near airports, making the use of lidded garbage bins mandatory.' Wildlife Headquarters has also issued an order directing Wildlife Rangers to start operations immediately. The CM said, 'Lahore Eastern Bypass, Manawan Hospital Dahoriwala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra Lal, and Chah Miran areas have been declared 'No-Bird Zone,' operation will start from these areas. The notification of Punjab government says, 'All such reasons should be eliminated due to which flocks of birds gather near airports.' It adds, 'Grain on the roofs of houses, pigeon breeding, pigeon flying in large numbers, feeding of pigeons in temples and public places and excessive gathering of birds should be prevented.' The notification highlights, 'Wildlife Rangers, district administration and related agencies will take action as per Punjab Wildlife Act in case of violation.' The notification says, 'Bird collisions with aircraft during take-off, landing and low-altitude flight of aircraft cause accidents.' It points out, 'According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 90% of accidents occur at altitudes below 3,000 feet.' The notification emphasised, 'Punjab Wildlife Act should be strictly implemented, arrests, punishments and fines will be imposed for violations.' Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, 'These measures are being taken to ensure safe air travel and safety of hundreds of human lives.' She added, 'Air safety fencing will reduce bird strikes and accidents.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Punjab enforces bird hazard controls near Lahore airport
The Punjab government has launched a major crackdown on bird activity in the vicinity of Lahore Airport to enhance aviation safety, declaring several neighbourhoods 'No Bird Zones' under a new initiative. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued the directive to the city's district administration, Punjab Wildlife Department, and the Environment Protection Agency for coordinated action. Localities including Eastern Bypass, Manawan, Hospital Dahori Wala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran have been placed under strict monitoring. Officials said these areas have been ring-fenced aerially to create protective airspace for commercial flights. Bird strikes, particularly during take-off and landing, pose a persistent safety hazard. The new policy aims to mitigate this by reducing bird presence around low-altitude flight paths. Read: Police to set up animal rescue sub-centres Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has been appointed to oversee the mobilisation of Punjab's first dedicated Wildlife Force. The Wildlife Department has already ordered its field rangers to enforce new restrictions. Strict regulations are being imposed on nearby slaughterhouses, poultry farms, bakeries, and leather-processing units. These businesses must now comply with environmental controls, including a ban on open disposal of animal waste and hides. Additionally, feeding birds in public areas, on rooftops, and at shrines has been outlawed. Residents are also restricted from keeping or flying large numbers of pigeons. Garbage dumping near the airport has been banned, and covered waste bins are now compulsory in specific zones. Officials warned that any activity attracting birds in these areas will be treated as a breach of public safety. Read more: Pet big cats to be sterilised, sale banned Legal action will be taken under the Punjab Wildlife Act, with monitoring teams tasked with ensuring full compliance. Authorities say the move aligns with international aviation safety standards and reflects a long-term commitment to safer skies around the city.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pet big cats to be sterilised, sale banned
The Punjab government will enforce sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards and other big cats in private possession to keep their population in check. A ban on the commercial sale and purchase of the species will also be imposed as part of a phased regulation drive. Provincial Chief Wildlife Ranger said while speaking to The Express Tribune that the provincial government would implement a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats. The owners had been given a deadline until May 2 to declare their animals. So far, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks and their verification is under way, during which 40 of the facilities have been verified. Registered breeding farms have now been granted a month to improve their facilities in line with official guidelines. Meanwhile, enforcement against illegal possession continues with 20 big cats confiscated from unregistered premises, seven FIRs lodged and eight people arrested. Elahi stated that under no circumstances would lions, tigers or similar dangerous animals be allowed in urban areas, housing societies or residential neighbourhoods. Only those wildlife breeding farms that develop proper housing infrastructure in accordance with the Punjab Wildlife Act will be permitted to keep big cats. SOPs clearly outline enclosure size, space requirements and safety protocols. Additionally, a registration fee of Rs50,000 per big cat will be charged, with mandatory annual renewal. The provincial regulatory efforts are unfolding in four phases. After declaration and verification in Phase 1 and 2, the third phase will see a ban on the trade of big cats, followed by Phase 4 of sterilisation of lions, tigers and leopards to prevent uncontrolled breeding. The seized animals have been relocated to facilities in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur. Wildlife conservationist Badr Munir praised the initiative, stating that nowhere in the world are dangerous animals kept as pets in homes. "Unfortunately, in Pakistan it has become a bizarre status symbol — people drive around with big cats, make TikToks, and then panic when one escapes or attacks." He emphasised that big cats should be confined strictly to zoos, wildlife parks or registered breeding facilities. "Dangerous animals must never be allowed in populated neighbourhoods. The new regulations introduced by Punjab wildlife authorities must be enforced without exception." Meanwhile, Punjab Wildlife Rangers seized a white tiger and an African lion cub from Faisalabad. According to Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr Ghulam Rasool, the operation was carried out by the Faisalabad unit following a tip-off. The animals, belonging to rare exotic species, were being kept without legal permits. The rescued white tiger was shifted to Lahore Safari Zoo, while the lion cub would be relocated to another secure facility, officials said. Legal proceedings were initiated under the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in illegally keeping the dangerous animals.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Punjab Wildlife seize white tiger and African lion cub in Faisalabad crackdown
The Punjab Wildlife Rangers seized on Tuesday a white tiger and an African lion cub in Faisalabad as part of an ongoing crackdown against the illegal possession of dangerous wild animals. Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr Ghulam Rasool confirmed that the operation was carried out by the Faisalabad unit following a tip-off. The animals, both rare and exotic species, were being kept without the required legal permits. The rescued white tiger has been relocated to Lahore Safari Zoo, while the lion cub is being moved to a secure facility. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Punjab Wildlife Act against those involved in the illegal possession. Read: Punjab home to 587 privately owned big cats Officials confirmed that over 20 lions, tigers and leopards have been recovered from various cities across Punjab since the crackdown began. These animals have been relocated to safe locations for proper care. Punjab wildlife department officials seized 18 lions from various cities across the province. The officials arrested five individuals in connection with the illegal possession of these animals, registered five FIRs, and launched investigations into two additional cases. Earlier, the Punjab government has announced new regulations to enforce the sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats. As part of a phased regulatory initiative, the government will also introduce a ban on the commercial sale and purchase of these species. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Punjab's Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi said that, for the first time, the province is implementing a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats. Owners were given the deadline of May 2 to declare their animals. As of now, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks, with verification currently underway. Till date, 40 of these facilities have been verified.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Punjab to ban sale and begin sterilization of privately owned big cats
In a landmark move aimed at controlling the population of dangerous wild animals in private possession, the Punjab government has announced that it will enforce the sterilisation of lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats. A ban on the commercial sale and purchase of these species will also be introduced as part of a phased regulatory initiative. In an exclusive interview with Express News, the Chief Wildlife Ranger of Punjab, Mubeen Elahi, revealed that, for the first time, the province is implementing a regulatory framework to govern the private ownership of big cats. Owners were given a deadline of May 2 to declare their animals. As of now, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have declared their stocks, with verification currently underway. To date, 40 of these facilities have been verified. Registered breeding farms have been granted a one-month period to improve their facilities in line with official guidelines. Meanwhile, enforcement against illegal possession continues: 18 big cats have been confiscated from unregistered premises, seven FIRs have been lodged, and eight individuals have been arrested. Elahi further stated that under no circumstances will lions, tigers, or similar dangerous animals be allowed in urban areas, housing societies, or residential neighbourhoods. Only wildlife breeding farms that develop proper housing infrastructure under the Punjab Wildlife Act will be permitted to keep big cats. The SOPs clearly outline enclosure sizes, space requirements, and safety protocols. Additionally, a registration fee of Rs. 50,000 per big cat will be charged, with mandatory annual renewals. The province's regulatory efforts are unfolding in four phases. After the declaration and verification phases (Phase 1 and 2), the third phase will see a complete ban on the trade of big cats, followed by Phase 4: sterilisation of lions, tigers, and leopards to prevent uncontrolled breeding. Animals already seized have been relocated to facilities in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur. Wildlife conservationist and former chairman of the Punjab Forestry & Wildlife Task Force, Badr Munir, praised the initiative, stating that nowhere in the world are dangerous animals kept as pets in residential homes. 'Unfortunately, in Pakistan, it has become a bizarre status symbol—people drive around with big cats, make TikTok videos, and then panic when one escapes or attacks.' Munir emphasised that big cats should be confined strictly to zoos, wildlife parks, or registered breeding facilities. 'Dangerous animals must never be allowed in populated neighbourhoods. The new regulations introduced by Punjab Wildlife must be enforced without exception.' This sweeping regulatory campaign is part of Punjab's broader efforts to strengthen wildlife governance and ensure public safety.
