The Punjab Wildlife Department has arrested eight individuals involved in the illegal hunting of rare and protected species across the province, including the Indian pangolin, houbara bustard, partridge, and wild boar. Authorities imposed fines worth Rs. 2.2 million on six offenders, while First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against two others for further legal action. Officials confirmed that the rescued houbara bustard has been transferred to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for medical care and rehabilitation.
A special operation was launched in the Cholistan Public Wildlife Reserve under the supervision of Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Bahawalpur, Syed Ali Usman Bukhari. During the operation, two individuals were caught red-handed while hunting a houbara bustard, a globally protected species. A live bird was recovered from their possession, and a criminal case was immediately filed against them at the local police station. The rescued bird has been safely relocated to Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park, where it is being closely monitored until full recovery.
Read more : Punjab announces winter vacation schedule
Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Chakwal, Muhammad Imran, led another team that apprehended three men after a viral video surfaced showing them illegally hunting wild boars with dogs. Following identification and investigation, the offenders were fined Rs. 100,000 for violating provincial wildlife laws. Officials stated that the video played a crucial role in tracing the culprits and ensuring they faced legal consequences for their actions.
In a separate crackdown, Chakwal Wildlife Rangers arrested three more individuals involved in the illegal capture and trade of partridges and pangolins. The department imposed an additional fine of Rs. 120,000, bringing the total penalty to Rs. 2.2 million. All related cases have been resolved in accordance with the department’s legal and procedural framework. The officials stressed that such illegal practices pose a serious threat to the province’s delicate ecosystem and biodiversity.
Read more : Toxic smog chokes Punjab as Lahore faces severe air crisis
Furthermore, Punjab Wildlife Department officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing strict wildlife protection laws across the province. They also urged citizens to report any incidents of poaching, trafficking, or illegal hunting to the nearest wildlife office. With increasing awareness and public cooperation, authorities aim to strengthen conservation efforts and protect Pakistan’s endangered species from extinction.