BAHAWALPUR: The South Punjab additional chief secretary (ACS) has expressed his anger over a lack of proper care of animals and birds kept in the Bahawalpur Zoo and the poor infrastructure of the facility.

According to an official handout issued on Monday, South Punjab ACS Faud Hashim Rabbani, paid a surprise visit to the zoo on Sunday following public complaints and found birds and animals had been kept there without proper care.

The handout says that gross irregularities were detected in the administrative matters of the zoo, while the animals’ cages, food arrangements and cleanliness were poor.

Taking notice, he ordered a strict action against the officials responsible for the poor conditions at the zoo.

The handout says that during his visit, the ACS found that the lions in the zoo were not being fed properly, contrary to the record produced by the officials.

Mr Rabbanidirected the officials to submit a detailed report in this connection to him.

The ACS reprimanded the officials concerned and ordered immediate measures to improve the conditions and ensure transparency in the zoo affairs.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2026