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Pakistan’s govt legalizes wild animals as pets for PKR 50,000

In a striking policy shift, Pakistan’s Punjab province has revised its Wildlife Act 1974, granting residents permission to own exotic creatures like lions, tigers, and cheetahs. Citizens can now acquire licenses to keep these wild animals by paying PKR 50,000 (about INR 15,512) for each.

Officials justify the amendment, citing rampant illegal ownership of such wildlife, which lacked any legal framework for regulation. According to Maryam Aurangzeb, a senior minister in the provincial government, this change aims to prevent animal abuse and curb the unlawful trade of wild species.

Strict guidelines accompany the policy. Owners are required to relocate these animals outside urban areas by a set deadline. Furthermore, sharing photos of these “pets” on social media is strictly prohibited, with penalties imposed on violators.

The government has also bolstered forest conservation by introducing the Punjab Forest Transit Rules 2024. Checkpoints will now monitor the illegal transport of wildlife and forest products. Restrictions include banning sawmills and coal kilns near forest boundaries and prohibiting animal transit between dawn and dusk.

Aurangzeb emphasized that these measures prioritize transparency and environmental protection. Special enforcement teams will ensure compliance with the new rules, replacing outdated policies from 2013.

While intended to regulate wild animal ownership and safeguard resources, the policy has sparked debate over its ethical and safety implications.

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#WildlifeRegulation #ExoticPets #ForestProtection #PunjabPolicy

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