The Punjab Wildlife Department has introduced a groundbreaking regulation making it compulsory for all pet parrot owners to register their birds, resulting in more than 1,000 applications flooding in during the first two weeks of implementation.
New Registration System and Fees
Under the recently launched policy, parrot owners must pay an annual fee of Rs1,000 per bird to legally keep their feathered companions. The registration process is currently being handled through a departmental mobile application, though many citizens have reported technical challenges and requested the establishment of a parallel manual system for easier access.
Mixed Reactions from Bird Enthusiasts
While some bird keepers expressed surprise at the new regulation, others have welcomed it as a positive step toward protecting their beloved pets. Zainab Khan, a Lahore student who has cared for her rose-ringed parakeet "Mian Mithu" for several years, stated that the registration system provides her with peace of mind. "I no longer fear occasional crackdowns on illegally captured wild birds," she explained.
Elderly resident Naseem Akhtar shared her emotional connection with her parrots, describing them as family members. "They mimic voices and even call me 'Amma Jee'," she revealed, highlighting the deep bond between owners and their birds.
Conservation Goals and Future Plans
Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Kamran Bukhari clarified that the policy aims to achieve two primary objectives: determining the exact number of parrots kept in households and curbing the illegal capture of wild birds. Approved birds will undergo inspection and receive identification rings for tracking purposes.
Pakistan is home to several native parrot species, including Alexandrine, rose-ringed, plum-headed, and slaty-headed parakeets, with the rose-ringed parakeet being the most commonly kept pet species. Wild populations of these species are rapidly declining, prompting the urgent need for conservation measures.
Young hobbyist Arbaz Khan, who maintains macaws and rose-ringed parrots alongside other exotic birds, noted that while the hobby has long existed, the regulatory environment has now shifted significantly. In future phases, households keeping parrots may be required to register as licensed breeders or dealers, with all buying and selling restricted to registered traders.
