Punjab Wildlife Department Seizes 7,700 Dead Birds in Major Anti-Smuggling Operation

The Punjab Wildlife Department has carried out one of its largest wildlife enforcement operations in recent years, seizing 7,702 dead wild birds during a crackdown on illegal wildlife smuggling in Khanewal, Punjab. The birds were being transported from Karachi to Okara, highlighting the scale of organized wildlife trafficking networks operating across Pakistan.

This shocking incident has raised serious concerns about illegal hunting, wildlife smuggling, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Overview of the Wildlife Smuggling Incident in Punjab

On December 16, 2025, wildlife officials intercepted a passenger bus traveling from Karachi and recovered thousands of dead birds hidden inside. According to officials, the seizure included multiple protected and commonly trafficked bird species.

Birds Recovered in the Operation

The seized consignment included:

• 4,304 sparrows
• 3,200 mynas and bulbuls
• 196 ducks
• 2 partridges

All birds were found dead, indicating they were hunted and transported illegally for commercial purposes.

How the Punjab Wildlife Department Conducted the Operation

The operation was conducted after receiving secret intelligence regarding wildlife smuggling through public transport routes.

Senior Officials Who Supervised the Operation

The raid was supervised by:

• Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Multan
• Munawar Hussain Najmi, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Khanewal

Officials set up a checkpoint in Khanewal and searched a bus arriving from Karachi. Upon inspection, the illegal consignment was discovered and immediately seized.

Booking of the Smuggling Case and Legal Action

According to the Punjab Wildlife Department, the seized birds were booked under the name Rafiq, a resident of Okara.

Legal Proceedings Initiated

• A wildlife crime case has been registered
• Further investigations are ongoing
• Efforts are underway to arrest the suspect and his network

Officials stated that wildlife smuggling is treated as a serious criminal offense under Punjab Wildlife laws.

Why Illegal Bird Smuggling Is a Major Threat in Pakistan

Illegal bird hunting and smuggling is not a new issue in Pakistan, but incidents like this reveal its alarming scale.

Key Reasons Behind Wildlife Smuggling

• Demand for cheap meat
• Use of birds for traditional food markets
• Illegal pet trade
• Weak awareness of wildlife laws
• Profit-driven hunting syndicates

Impact on Pakistan’s Biodiversity

Pakistan hosts hundreds of native and migratory bird species. Mass killing of birds directly affects:

• Ecosystem balance
• Pollination and pest control
• Food chains
• Migratory bird routes

Environmental Experts Warn

Wildlife experts warn that continuous illegal hunting could lead to local extinction of common bird species, which would disrupt entire ecosystems.

Punjab Wildlife Protection Laws Explained

The Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act strictly prohibits:

• Hunting of protected birds
• Transportation of wildlife without permits
• Trade or sale of wild animals or birds
• Possession of wildlife carcasses

Penalties Under Wildlife Laws

Depending on the offense, penalties may include:

• Heavy fines
• Imprisonment
• Seizure of vehicles
• Blacklisting of repeat offenders

Separate Wildlife Crackdown in Attock District

In another operation, the Punjab Wildlife Department carried out a raid in Attock district.

Arrest of Illegal Hunters

• Three suspects arrested
• Illegal hunting of urial and partridges
• Wildlife weapons confiscated

Punishments Given

• One individual fined Rs 150,000 for hunting partridges
• Another individual booked for sharing urial hunting videos on social media

Social Media and Wildlife Crime

Officials highlighted that sharing hunting videos online is also a punishable offense.

Why Wildlife Videos Are Monitored

• Promote illegal hunting culture
• Encourage copycat crimes
• Harm conservation efforts
• Violate wildlife protection rules

Authorities now monitor Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for wildlife-related violations.

Role of Transport Routes in Wildlife Smuggling

Smugglers often use:

• Passenger buses
• Cargo vans
• Private vehicles
• Highway routes between provinces

The Karachi-to-Punjab route is considered high-risk for wildlife trafficking.

Punjab Wildlife Department’s Ongoing Crackdown Strategy

The department has announced continued operations, including:

• Surprise checkpoints
• Intelligence-based raids
• Coordination with police
• Monitoring transport hubs
• Awareness campaigns

Officials reaffirmed their commitment to zero tolerance against wildlife crimes.

Importance of Public Awareness in Wildlife Protection

Authorities stressed that public cooperation is essential.

How Citizens Can Help

• Report illegal hunting
• Avoid buying wild birds or meat
• Report wildlife trade on social media
• Educate communities
• Support conservation initiatives

Pakistan’s International Wildlife Commitments

Pakistan is a signatory to several international conventions, including:

• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
• Migratory bird protection agreements

Illegal wildlife trade damages Pakistan’s global environmental reputation.

Lessons From the Khanewal Bird Seizure Case

This case highlights:

• Organized wildlife smuggling networks
• Need for stricter enforcement
• Importance of intelligence-led operations
• Growing threat to biodiversity

Future Measures Suggested by Experts

Environmental experts recommend:

• Increasing wildlife patrol budgets
• Expanding digital surveillance
• Stronger inter-provincial coordination
• Fast-track wildlife courts
• Community-based conservation programs

Conclusion

The seizure of 7,700 dead birds in Khanewal is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by illegal wildlife smuggling in Pakistan. The Punjab Wildlife Department’s swift action demonstrates strong enforcement, but long-term success depends on public awareness, strict punishment, and continued vigilance.

Protecting wildlife is not only the government’s responsibility—it is a shared national duty to preserve Pakistan’s natural heritage for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)