Protecting wildlife

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The Punjab Assembly's recent amendments to the Wildlife Act of 1974 and the slew of announcements made by the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department paint a promising picture of wildlife conservation in the province. From the establishment of special courts to hefty fines for violators and the launch of initiatives worth billions of rupees, the promises are tall and ambitious. Yet, the question remains: will these reforms translate into real change on the ground?

In recent years, incidents of wildlife killings - such as the brutal slaying of striped hyenas, grey wolves, and leopard - have raised alarm in Punjab and neighboring Balochistan. At the same time, the disturbing trend of keeping large cats like lions and tigers as status symbols in homes continues unabated. The government's proposal to regulate and curb these practices is a welcome move, but the challenge lies in implementation. Without rigorous enforcement, initiatives are just words on paper. The true reality on the ground is far from reassuring. Wildlife continues to be exploited and abused, and the laws designed to protect them often remain toothless. The issue is not a lack of legislation but a persistent failure to act. For years, the government has promised reforms, yet the dire state of wildlife protection in the country remains unchanged. The true test of these new amendments will be whether they can overcome years of inertia and translate into real protection for endangered species.

The government must move beyond announcements and take tangible steps that make a difference in the lives of both the animals and the people who depend on them. If the promises made this week are not followed by sustained action, we risk losing not only the animals but the very credibility of those in charge of their protection.