Court issues arrest warrant for Rabi Pirzada in exotic animals case

Singers says the animals aren't even hers to begin with so it does not matter

LAHORE: Judicial magistrate Haris Siddique issued bailable arrest warrants for singer-actor Rabi Pirzada on Friday. The hearing of the case against singer Pirzada for allegedly keeping exotic animals as pets has been adjourned till Oct 11.

Despite the court orders, the singer was not present at the court, however, her counsel Abid Sial represented her at the hearing.

Her counsel argued that the Punjab Wildlife Protection and Parks Department did not present their search report in the court and requested the judge to adjourn the case till the next hearing.

Pirzada previously claimed that her love for snakes is more than just a hobby for her. PHOTO COURTESY: RABI PIRZADA/SOCIAL MEDIA

The court observed that the accused should present herself first as this is a criminal proceeding. It is pertinent to mention that the Punjab Wildlife Protection and Parks Department filed a complaint in Model Town court against Pirzada for allegedly keeping exotic animals as pets.

The government’s lawyer Falak Sher Ranjha said that keeping animals such pythons and crocodiles as pets is not only dangerous but also an abrogation of sections 9 and 12 of the constitution.

He appealed the court to issue non-bailable arrest warrants to the singer as she failed to show up for the hearing despite the court’s orders.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Pirzada shared, "I'm in Islamabad for a show right now. I have given the power of attorney to my lawyer so it is not necessary for me to be present at the court."

Rubbishing the claims of keeping wildlife animals as pets, Pirzada added, "The Wildlife department cannot prove anything since these animals aren't mine anyway. I have been summoned at the court on Oct 11 now, and I will be present for this hearing. I have a concert scheduled in Bahawalpur that day, but I will go there after appearing in the court."

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