The Punjab Wildlife Department has launched a significant crackdown against wildlife crime, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals involved in the illegal hunting of rare and protected animals across the province.
Major Bust in Cholistan Wildlife Reserve
In a decisive operation within the Cholistan Public Wildlife Reserve, a team led by Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Bahawalpur, Syed Ali Usman Bukhari, caught two poachers red-handed. The offenders were actively hunting the protected houbara bustard. Authorities recovered a live bird from their possession and promptly registered a criminal case against them at the local police station.
The rescued houbara bustard was transferred to the Rahim Yar Khan Wildlife Park for rehabilitation and care until it makes a full recovery.
Social Media Tip-Off Leads to Arrests
In a separate incident in Chakwal, a viral social media video proved to be the undoing of three poachers. The video showed them illegally hunting a wild boar with the aid of dogs. Acting on this evidence, a team under Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Chakwal, Muhammad Imran, traced and apprehended the three men. The court imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 for this violation.
In a subsequent operation in the same district, Chakwal Wildlife Rangers arrested another three hunters. These individuals were involved in the illegal capture of partridges and the critically endangered Indian pangolin. The department levied a fine of Rs. 120,000 in this case.
Department Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy
Overall, the department apprehended eight poachers. Six of the offenders were fined a collective sum of Rs. 2.2 million, while First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against the remaining two for further legal action. All related cases have been disposed of according to established departmental procedures.
Officials from the Wildlife Department have strongly reaffirmed their commitment to the strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws. They have also issued a public appeal, urging citizens to report any instances of illegal hunting or animal trafficking to help safeguard Pakistan's natural heritage.
