By 
15-01-25
Chiara Bellini
Team Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
The recent killings of wildlife in Punjab and Balochistan, targeting striped hyenas, grey wolves and leopards, have caused concerns over the protection of endangered species and the punishment of crimes against wildlife (Dawn, 2025; The Express Tribune, 2025). Additionally, there has been a rising trend of illegal ownership of animals such as tigers and cheetahs, which are often kept in homes as domestic animals (Dawn, 2025). Thus, to better ensure the protection of wildlife, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has proposed amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1974 (Dawn, 2025).
This week, the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee convened to discuss the amendments and to approve higher fines for those who commit acts of cruelty against animals. Senior Provincial and Wildlife Minister Aurangzeb stated that these new provisions will reinforce conservation efforts and enable more rigorous action against crimes involving wild animals (The Express Tribune, 2025). The newly-amended Wildlife Protection Act established the Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Board to oversee the implementation efforts, along with a special helpline (1107) to report violations, new centres for the breeding, treatment and safeguard of the animals, and a new wildlife hospital (Dawn, 2025). Finally, violators of wildlife protection laws can face fines up to Rs 500,000 (Dawn, 2025).
Sources and further readings:
Gabol, I., Punjab Standing Committee approves setting up of special courts to tackle wildlife violations. (2025, January 15). Dawn. Retrieved on January 15, 2025, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1885346/punjab-standing-committee-approves-setting-up-of-special-courts-to-tackle-wildlife-violations
Mehmood, A., Punjab to establish wildlife courts. (2025, January 15). The Express Tribune. Retrieved on January 15, 2025, from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2522168/punjab-to-establish-wildlife-courts
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