Following a raid on two illegal markets in Multan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appreciated the wildlife department, district administration and police for conducting a joint operation to protect wildlife and rare birds.
Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also paid tribute to the raiding team, saying it had "bravely implemented the law despite fierce resistance". She added, "A zero tolerance policy is being implemented on wildlife protection."
She highlighted, "Illegal wildlife markets are being eliminated from all over Punjab. She appealed to the citizens to immediately report illegal wildlife activity on the helpline 1107. Under the Punjab Wildlife Act Amendment 2025, illegal wildlife business is a non-bailable offence punishable by seven years in prison and a fine of Rs5 million.
Under the new law, raids were conducted on illegal Godri Bird Market and Pigeon Market in Multan, in which hundreds of rare animals and birds were rescued.
Birds recovered from the Godri Market include parrots, chakors, peacocks and pheasants. In addition, eight truckloads of birds and wild animals were seized from the pigeon market.
According to a statement, the police retaliated to firing on the raiding team by a mafia involved in illegal wildlife business.
They arrested eight persons who put up armed resistance and sealed more than 40 shops.
A case of attempted murder has been registered against other unidentified men suspected of opening fire at the Godri Market and raids are under way for their arrest.
A case has also been registered against the illegal bird dealers under the anti-terrorism laws.
The district administration and wildlife department launched the crackdown against illegal bird and animal markets operating in the city.
According to officials, the arrested men were involved in the sale of prohibited and unlicensed birds and animals.
The joint operation, led by City Assistant Commissioner Abdul Sami Sheikh, was conducted by teams from the wildlife department and local police in the famous Kabootar Mandi.
The wildlife department had identified the illegal trade of rare and banned species in the market.
The assistant commissioner stated that the district administration and police provided full support to the wildlife department during the action.
He warned that illegal markets of birds and animals would not be allowed to operate under any circumstances, and those who had resisted the operation would face strict legal action.
Talent hunt scheme
"Young players in Punjab will be provided ample opportunities to express their talent and move forward," said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while directing the authorities concerned to start a comprehensive talent hunt programme for the first time in the history of Punjab.
She added, "Women players will get equal opportunities to thrive," seeking a plan in this regard.
The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to ensure financial autonomy of the sports department. She said, "There should be no disruption in the salaries of sports department employees."
She also sought a plan to start a youth internship programme in Punjab.
In her message on the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, the chief minister stated, "Equal opportunities for sports are being provided to the young, the elderly, the disabled and the people from other disadvantaged segments of society."
She said, "Sports events pave a way for peace and development in a society. Peace and sports are inseparable, if there is peace, there will be sports.
With additional input from APP
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