Pindi bans black partridge keeping

RAWALPINDI:

The Wildlife Department has imposed a complete ban on the keeping of black partridge within the Rawalpindi Division, suspending the issuance of all new licences and halting the renewal of existing licences with effect from January.

According to officials, the department had already stopped issuing new licences for the domestic keeping of black partridge several years ago. However, licence holders were previously allowed to continue under valid permits.

These licences expired on December 31, 2025, and the authorities have now discontinued their renewal as well, effectively enforcing a blanket prohibition across the division.

The move has sparked strong protest among bird enthusiasts and their representative body, the Black Partridge Association. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Association President Nasir Qureshi and Vice-President Sheikh Imran described the decision as unjust and discriminatory.

They said that enthusiasts have long paid substantial licensing fees, contributing significant revenue to the government. With the suspension of licence renewals, this source of income will cease, while unlicensed and covert breeding is likely to increase.