Punjab records major wildlife conservation gains in 2 years: Marriyum Aurangzeb

LAHORE - Senior Provincial Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, in her message on World Wildlife Day, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has achieved historic milestones in wildlife conservation, protection, rehabilitation, breeding and adoption of modern technology during the last two years. She said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had accomplished unprecedented work in the environment and wildlife sectors in just two years. The Punjab government has taken a series of landmark initiatives to modernize wildlife conservation and establish a comprehensive system for the protection and rehabilitation of wildlife across the province. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Punjab has established Pakistan's first wildlife hospital built according to international standards, providing modern medical and rehabilitation facilities for wildlife. Universities must become engines of national growth: Ahsan Iqbal Pakistan's first Wildlife 7D Cinema has also been established to promote public awareness and educate citizens, particularly children, about wildlife and nature. She said that practical, nature-based recreational opportunities have been developed in forests for children, women and people of all age groups, enabling citizens to experience nature and learn about the importance of forests and wildlife. The senior minister said that Pakistan's first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based wildlife survey was conducted to obtain accurate and reliable data about wildlife populations. The initiative will help improve wildlife management, conservation planning and evidence-based decision-making. She said that Tree Cafés have been established to promote plantation and the Green Punjab vision, while Giraffe Cafés have also been introduced to promote giraffe breeding and create greater public awareness about wildlife conservation. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the ban on the import of animals was lifted to promote wildlife breeding and conservation of different species in Punjab. She added that zoos across the province have been upgraded, resulting in improved care and welfare of animals and birds while also providing better recreational and educational facilities to the public. Terrorists would never succeed in harming Balochistan peace: CM She said that rescue centres have been established across Punjab to rescue animals and birds from illegal and forced captivity. During the last two years, more than 50,000 birds and over 1,000 rare wild animals have been rescued, including 38 bears. The Senior Provincial Minister said that a special fleet comprising 13 rescue vehicles, along with a mobile veterinary clinic and three rescue and rehabilitation centres, has been established to strengthen wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation operations across the province. Martyred Army soldier laid to rest with full military honour She said that the Punjab government has also given special attention to legislation for the protection of forests and wildlife. The Wildlife Act 2024 was enacted, under which offences falling under Sections 7 to 13 were made non-bailable, providing stronger legal protection to wildlife. Tags: punjabrecordsmajorwildlife