LAHORE: The Punjab Wildlife Department has intensified its province-wide crackdown on illegal hunting, trade, and possession of wildlife, arresting 22 individuals and imposing fines exceeding Rs 500,000 during coordinated operations across multiple districts.
The enforcement drive, undertaken on the directions of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Secretary Forests and Wildlife Punjab Captain Tahir Zafar Abbasi (R), is being led in Lahore, Khanewal, Multan, Vehari, Bhakkar, and Chakwal.
During these operations, authorities recovered a range of protected species, including a baby otter, a monkey, rare wild cats, parrots, pheasants, pigeons, and falcons. FIRs were registered against seven accused, while 15 others were penalised through departmental fines.
In Lahore, a team headed by Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Sakhi Muhammad Joyia arrested three individuals involved in illegal bird netting and recovered parrots from their possession. The case was disposed of through a departmental fine of Rs 90,000.
In Chakwal, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Mirza Abid Hussain led multiple operations resulting in the arrest of seven suspects involved in the illegal hunting and trade of wild boar, pheasants, monkeys, and urial.
Fines amounting to Rs 225,000 were imposed on five individuals, while FIRs were registered against two. One accused was sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand, while legal proceedings against the other are underway. A rescued baby urial was shifted to Joharabad Wildlife Park.
Similarly, in the Multan region, operations supervised by Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Hussain Gashkori led to the arrest of 11 persons in Multan, Vehari, and Khanewal.
Wildlife staff recovered three rare cats, five pairs of finches, and three pairs of pigeons. One FIR was registered, legal action was initiated against three suspects, and fines totalling Rs 198,000 were imposed on seven individuals.
In Bhakkar, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Tariq arrested an individual involved in the illegal trade of pheasants and registered a case at the local police station.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to curbing wildlife crimes and protecting biodiversity, warning that strict enforcement actions will continue across the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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