The Fruits of Wildlife Reforms in Punjab

Summary

• By Mirza Muhammad Ramzan It is no secret that the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has made remarkable progress over the past two and a half years, advancing rapidly in its efforts to protect wildlife, modernise its operations, and promote ecotourism.
• These include the establishment of a state-of-the-art hospital at Lahore Safari Zoo, an Immersive Wildlife Experience Cinema and Moving Theatre, the Chief Minister’s Wildlife Rescue Force, experience development at captive facilities, and an Archive and Wildlife Resources Management System in Punjab.
• Further projects include Phase II of the Master Plan for Lahore Safari Zoo, the revamping and experience development of Bahawalpur Zoo, and the Punjab Wildlife and Habitat Restoration Programme through community-based conservancies and implementation partners.

AI Generated Summary

By Mirza Muhammad Ramzan

It is no secret that the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has made remarkable progress over the past two and a half years, advancing rapidly in its efforts to protect wildlife, modernise its operations, and promote ecotourism. Much of the credit for these achievements goes to the Government of Punjab, particularly Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, whose commitment, hard work, and visionary leadership have played a significant role in transforming the department. Their personal interest in protecting and promoting the province’s natural resources has led to extensive and historic reforms in the wildlife and forestry sectors, placing the department on a new path of growth and development.

During this period of rapid transformation, the department has introduced effective legislation to ensure wildlife conservation and strengthen the enforcement of wildlife laws. At the same time, it has modernised its resources and operations to meet contemporary requirements. These reforms have not only strengthened the enforcement of wildlife legislation across the province but have also created opportunities for the public to benefit from quality recreational, educational, and research activities. The adoption of modern technology has made departmental services more efficient, transparent, and accessible. Most services are now available through the eBiz portal, including the registration of private wildlife breeding farms and the issuance of licences and permits for the legal hunting and trade of wildlife.

To strengthen public participation in wildlife conservation, the department has also established a dedicated helpline, **1107**, for reporting wildlife-related crimes. These include illegal hunting, trading, smuggling, unlawful capture and possession of wild animals, and the sale and purchase of caged birds under the guise of charity. The helpline has been formally launched to enable citizens to report such offences without fear and contribute to wildlife protection. The identities of individuals reporting wildlife crimes are kept strictly confidential to protect their privacy and encourage public cooperation.

Another major achievement has been the rapid modernisation of zoos under the department’s management in accordance with international standards of captive wildlife management. During the first phase, Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Zoo underwent significant upgrades, transforming them into more attractive destinations for tourists, families, and wildlife enthusiasts. Lahore Zoo now offers modern facilities, including e-ticketing, spacious parking, Zoo Holovers, virtual reality, mixed reality, a reptile house, camel rides, children’s rides, and modern fish aquariums. Similarly, Lahore Safari Zoo has introduced e-ticketing, electric vehicles, information centres, jungle safaris, lion and tiger safaris, a Salt Range attraction, fish aquariums, a tree café, food courts, a 7D cinema, and Wild on Beats. These facilities have enhanced the recreational and educational experience of visitors while bringing the attractions closer to international standards.