Chief Secretary directs strict enforcement of wildlife laws, registration of exotic species, and reforms for animal welfare standards.
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has ordered an immediate crackdown on violations of the Sindh Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Act, 2020, after reports surfaced about poor compliance at the Karachi Zoo. He also instructed the drafting of a new law to ban the import of exotic animals not native to Sindh.
Crackdown on Illegal Exotic Animal Trade
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the performance of the Sindh Wildlife Department, Shah expressed concern over widespread violations and weak enforcement. He said that no exotic species should be imported or kept unless explicitly approved for scientific or research purposes.
“All exotic animals already in Sindh must be cared for, properly registered, and closely monitored,” he directed. The meeting was attended by the secretaries of law, forest, and wildlife departments, along with the chief wildlife conservator.
Wildlife Conservator Javed Mahar briefed the participants on existing implementation gaps, pending court cases, and violations of housing standards for big cats. He revealed that the Karachi Zoo currently fails to meet the minimum welfare requirements outlined in the Wildlife Act — such as adequate space, vegetation, resting areas, and proper drainage facilities.
At least 129 wildlife-related trial cases have been pending in courts since 2020. The chief secretary ordered the department to submit a detailed compliance report and pledged to personally take up the matter with the Sindh High Court for swift resolution.
Registration, Neutralisation, and Stronger Enforcement
Shah emphasized that the Sindh Wildlife Department will be held accountable for any future violations and tasked it with implementing measures to neutralise exotic species to prevent uncontrolled breeding and maintain ecological balance.
He further ordered all owners of exotic animals to register their animals within a specified timeframe. Unregistered ownership or possession of illegal wildlife will lead to severe penalties under the Wildlife Act.
The department has also been directed to issue habitat management guidelines and enforce population control strategies to preserve biodiversity and prevent habitat degradation.
The chief secretary announced that the provincial government will soon convene a consultation session involving wildlife experts, civil society members, scholars, and government officials to develop recommendations for legislative reforms and sustainable wildlife conservation.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Shah said, “Protecting Sindh’s biodiversity and ensuring the humane treatment of animals is our moral and legal duty. Wildlife laws will be enforced in letter and spirit to safeguard our natural heritage.”
