LAHORE: Despite strong opposition from environmentalists, the Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) (Amendment) Bill 2026, paving the way for mining activities in protected areas and sparking fears of long-term ecological damage.

The move follows the unanimous approval of three key amendment bills by the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Forests and Wildlife, including changes to laws governing protected areas, forests, and wildlife conservation.

Under the amended law, the provincial government seeks to promote the mining sector by allowing mineral extraction in protected forests and conservation zones. The amendments revise long standing legislation such as the Forest Act 1927, the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020, and the Punjab Wildlife Act 1974, which previously restricted such activities.

According to the statement of objects and reasons, existing environmental protections were acting as a “barrier” to mining projects. The new law aims to remove these hurdles by permitting the use of forest land for projects deemed of “national importance,” while also aligning provincial regulations with the country’s mineral development policies.

Environmentalists warn the move can lead to irreversible ecological damage, threaten biodiversity and undermine conservation efforts

Officials argue the changes would help boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and increase state revenue, while also introducing a regulated system to curb illegal mining practices.

However, environmental experts have raised alarm over the potential consequences. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan warned that opening protected areas to mining could lead to irreversible ecological damage, threatening biodiversity and undermining conservation efforts. Director General Hammad Naqi Khan termed the move a “total disaster,” cautioning that it contradicts global environmental commitments.

Environmentalists also argue that the amendments conflicted with Pakistan’s commitments to climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem-based development strategies.

With the bill now passed by the Assembly, it will be sent for the governor’s assent before becoming law, marking a significant policy shift that has intensified the debate between economic development and environmental preservation in Punjab.

govt-opposition clashes: A heated session of the Punjab Assembly witnessed clashes between the government and opposition over an alleged gold theft scandal in Mianwali, alongside intense debates on wheat procurement, transport issues, and power-related concerns.

The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of nearly three hours. Tensions escalated when treasury member Ali Haider Noor Niazi accused police of corruption in connection with gold theft in Mianwali.

In response, Minister for Mines Sher Ali Gorchani reacted strongly, announcing he would resign if even a single FIR against gold thieves was proven from the tenure of Imran Khan’s government. He claimed that all such cases were registered during the current administration of Maryam Nawaz. Opposition lawmaker Iqbal Khattak countered by asserting that no such thefts occurred during the PTI era.

The House also saw a heated exchange over the government’s wheat procurement policy, with opposition member

Rana Shahbaz strongly criticising the administration. Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and Rana Muhammad Arshad defended the government’s measures.

Transport issues surfaced as enforcement of goods transport regulations came under scrutiny. Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan assured the House that a new Motor Vehicle Act would be introduced, truck stands would be shifted outside cities, and electric buses would be launched in every district before June 15.

Meanwhile, treasury member Agha Ali Haider criticised Wapda after several buffaloes were electrocuted in a canal, demanding compensation for affected families. The speaker assured that the House would support the victims and directed that a formal motion be presented.

Despite the charged proceedings, the government failed to maintain quorum, prompting Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar to adjourn the proceedings until Monday afternoon.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026