LAHORE: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the provincial government has intensified its crackdown on the illegal trade and smuggling of rare wildlife and birds.
Acting on a tip-off, the Wildlife Department, in collaboration with police, conducted an operation in Taunsa, resulting in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a rare eagle valued at over $36,000, Rs100m in the international market.
As per the details, the Punjab Wildlife Department, acting on a tip-off, conducted a joint operation with the police in the Taunsa region, where the rare eagle was seized. Authorities confirmed that the suspect involved in the operation has been arrested.
The arrested individual is reportedly part of a smuggling ring that traffics rare birds to foreign countries.
Wildlife officials stated that the eagle, which is in good physical health, will be fitted with a tracker and released back into the wild.
Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance. She noted that several rare animals and birds have already been recovered and transferred to zoos, and many have been treated to save their lives. She said that numerous rare animals and birds have been rescued, treated, and transferred to zoos for care.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Punjab, praised the Wildlife Department for their efforts. She stated that the recovered eagle would be fitted with a tracker before being released back into the wild and highlighted the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance.
The minister emphasized that, under the Chief Minister’s policy for the protection of forests and wildlife, continuous operations are being carried out across the province.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving biodiversity, combating illegal wildlife trafficking, and ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for both wildlife and local ecosystems.
