LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to establish separate courts to deal with cases related to wildlife crimes, including animal cruelty, abuse and illegal possession.
According to details, the Punjab Assembly’s standing committee approved amendments to the province’s wildlife protection laws on Tuesday. Under the new amendments, violations related to wildlife protection could lead to fines of up to Rs5 million.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Adnan Dogar, during which Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed the committee on the changes.
These are the first amendments to the Wildlife Act 1974 in 14 years, aligning Punjab’s wildlife conservation system with global standards, she said, adding that stricter action will now be taken against those involved in animal cruelty.
The briefing highlighted that the amendments provide legal protection to designated wildlife areas. Under the new structure, a single board, “Protected Areas and Wildlife Management,” will oversee conservation efforts, with the wildlife minister as chairperson, the wildlife secretary as vice-chairperson, and the director-general as secretary.
A dedicated wildlife protection force will be established to safeguard animal populations. Special centres will also be set up for the breeding, treatment, and protection of wildlife.
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Marriyum further said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, drones and modern technology will be used to monitor and protect wildlife. A comprehensive survey of wildlife and their habitats is planned, along with the establishment of conservation centres. A special helpline (1107) has also been launched for reporting wildlife-related concerns.
She said a Rs1.73 billion project has been initiated to promote wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in Punjab. Work is underway on the province’s first large-scale 3D wildlife cinema, moving theatre, and tourism projects in Uchhali, Bansara Gali, and Changa Manga.
The committee was further briefed that a specialized hospital for wildlife treatment will be set up at a cost of Rs1.47 billion whereas a youth internship programme worth Rs60 million is also being launched in the wildlife sector.
Meanwhile, the meeting was told that Rs800 million has been allocated for an educational and exhibition canter in Lahore to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. Other initiatives include a 360-degree virtual zoo, a digital wildlife map, and the publication of the Punjab Wildlife Information Book.
The standing committee welcomed the minister’s briefing and praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her efforts to protect forests and wildlife. Chairman Adnan Dogar commended Aurangzeb’s initiatives and said Punjab’s environmental conservation efforts were being recognized nationally and internationally.
It may be added here that in October 2024, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Animal Welfare Bill 2024” to protect animal rights, introducing penalties for harming animals.
Under the law, individuals who overload or cause harm to animals could face up to three months in prison or a fine of Rs50,000. In cases of repeated abuse or harm, the punishment increases to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs100,000.