'Zia's era was Pakistan's darkest chapter'

Justice Minallah stresses importance of protecting animal rights, equating them to human rights

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LAHORE:

Bemoaning the use of force for seizing power, Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah has that the regime of General Ziaul Haq was "the most horrifying period" in the nation's history.

Speaking at Pakistan's first international conference on animal rights and the environment on Sunday, he said Zia's tenure was marked by torture cells and secret prisons where people were detained for months.

The top court judge also criticised Zia's dismissal and execution of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was overthrown in a military coup in 1977.

Sharing an unusual anecdote highlighting Zia's misuse of state machinery, he said that the former military dictator's government of Pakistan requested an elephant from Sri Lanka after his daughter expressed a desire for one. "An elephant was abducted from Sri Lanka for three months."

Commenting on enforced disappearances, Justice Minallah highlighted the Islamabad High Court's role in delivering landmark judgments on the issue, prisoners' rights and fundamental human rights. "Our rulings are rooted in empathy for the victims' pain," he said. "As a judge, I can feel the anguish families endure when a loved one is forcibly disappeared."

Discussing a landmark judgment on Islamabad Zoo, he stressed the importance of protecting animal rights, equating them to human rights.

"Every life is precious, whether it belongs to a human, an animal, or a plant," he said.

Justice Minallah also expressed regret over the environmental degradation of Bani Gala, once deemed an ideal habitat for animals. "The elite has tarnished its natural beauty by establishing residences there," he added.

The conference marked a significant milestone for animal rights in Pakistan, with Justice Minallah lauding the organisers for hosting the nation's first international event on the subject.

Renowned actor Faryal Gohar highlighted the interconnectedness of all living beings. "We cannot separate ourselves from animals. We are all part of the same ecosystem created by the Almighty. Animals, birds and trees have as much right to this earth as we do," she said.

Conference host Altamash Saeed stated that the event aimed to unite judiciary members, activists, NGOs, experts and journalists working on animal rights and environmental issues. "The goal is to develop a unified framework to protect animals and the environment. We also invited international experts to contribute to this effort," he said.

The two-day event concluded with notable speakers, including Osama Malik, Nasir Qasuri, Dr Hadiya Awan, Fahad Malik, Mian Ahmed Farooq, Zeba Masood, Nabiha Ayaz, Aiza Haider, Yasra Akhsari and Aliza Khan.