LHC seeks details of bird market demolition

LAHORE:

Traders affected by the demolition of a bird market near Data Darbar have set up a protest camp at the site, demanding an official inquiry and compensation.

In another development, the Lahore High Court directed the Punjab Wildlife Department to submit a detailed report on the incident within 30 days, along with a future action plan.

The order was issued by Justice Shehram Sarwar on a petition filed by environmental and animal rights activists, represented by Advocate Altamush Saeed.

The court issued instructions that the petition be treated as a formal representation and that the wildlife department's report must include the causes of the incident, a preventive strategy, possible action against those responsible, and details of training programmes for government departments related to animal welfare and environmental protection.

Justice Sarwar warned that non-compliance with the order could result in contempt of court proceedings.

Advocate Saeed stated that had the Lahore Development Authority coordinated with the department before conducting the operation, the animals could have been safely relocated. He described the incident as a tragic reminder of what happens when law and compassion are ignored"

Meanwhile, traders and shopkeepers affected by the demolition continued their sit-in at the site, urging the chief minister to compensate them for the loss and allocate alternative space for them to resume business.