Punjab's wildlife crackdown: 171 rare birds rescued

An operation led by Deputy Director of Wildlife Dr. Ghulam Rasool in Lahore resulted in the recovery of 31 protected wild birds during a house search, conducted following special search warrants by Assistant Director Waseem Haider.

The recovered birds included 8 lovebirds, 20 parakeets, and 3 plum-headed parakeets. Wildlife officials arrested one individual, and the recovered birds were transferred to Lahore Safari Zoo under court orders.

Similarly, during a checkpoint operation in Mianwali, authorities seized 20 grey partridges being smuggled in a bus. Following a court order, all the birds were released into the Kundi Forest.

In Multan, 120 rare turtles were recovered during a highway checkpoint operation, leading to a fine of Rs10,000 for the accused, while the turtles were released into the Chenab River.

In Jhelum, Assistant Director Rana Ashfaq arrested a hunter who illegally shot an eared owl and uploaded the image on social media.

The court sent the accused to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. In another operation, Assistant Director of Wildlife Headquarters Jhelum, Mujahid Kaleem, apprehended three falcon hunters and seized two captive hunting birds, imposing a fine of Rs30,000 on the culprits while releasing the birds back into their natural environment.

DG Wildlife Mudassar Riaz Malik stated that strict action would be taken against illegal hunting, trafficking, and encroachment on wildlife, ensuring the protection of wildlife at all costs.