Punjab mandates parrot registration to curb smuggling

LAHORE:

Punjab has made the registration of pet parrots mandatory, triggering a surge in applications from households that keep these birds. Under the new regulation, introduced by the provincial Wildlife Department, owners are required to pay an annual fee of Rs1,000 per parrot.

While some bird enthusiasts were surprised by the policy, others see it as a positive step toward protecting their pets.

Zainab Khan, a student in Lahore, has kept a rose-ringed parakeet named "Mian Mithu" for several years. She said the new registration system gives her peace of mind, as she no longer fears occasional crackdowns on illegally captured wild birds. Similarly, Naseem Akhtar, an elderly resident, described her parrots as family members, noting that they mimic voices and even call her "Amma Jee."

Young hobbyist Arbaz Khan, who keeps macaws and rose-ringed parrots alongside other exotic birds, said the hobby has long existed, but the regulatory environment has now shifted significantly.

Parrots hold a special place in South Asian culture, and Pakistan is home to several native species, including Alexandrine, rose-ringed, plum-headed, and slaty-headed parakeets.

The rose-ringed parakeet is the most commonly kept pet species. Punjab Wildlife officials say wild populations of these species are rapidly declining, prompting the move to register all captive birds. Registration is currently processed via a departmental mobile application, though many citizens have complained about technical difficulties and have requested a parallel manual system.

Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Kamran Bukhari said the policy aims to achieve two goals: determine the actual number of parrots kept in homes and curb the illegal capture of wild birds. Approved birds will be inspected and tagged with identification rings.

In a future phase, households keeping parrots may be required to register as licensed breeders or dealers, with all buying and selling restricted to registered traders.

In the first two weeks of the policy, more than 1,000 registration applications have already been submitted.