Lahore:Following the directives of the Chief Minister Punjab and Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Punjab Wildlife Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal hunting and wildlife trading and an effective combing operation is ongoing in this regard.
Under the headship of Director General Wildlife Mudassar Riaz Malik, a major operation was carried out at Tollinton Market in which district administration and local police teams also took part. The operation being conducted under the orders of the Lahore High Court, led to the seizure of hundreds of birds from the unlicensed vendors. The recovered birds include parrots, budgerigars, partridges, quails, doves, and peacocks. The authorities detained six shopkeepers, and their shops were sealed.
DG Wildlife Mudassar Riaz stated that the birds will be released after receiving further court orders. So far, 471 illegal hunters and traders have been penalized, resulting in imposition of fine worth Rs 8.45 million. Moreover, 343 wild animals an
d 11,740 wild birds have been recovered during ongoing crackdown across the province.