LAHORE: Punjab Wildlife Conservation and Parks department in a raid recovered a leopard cub kept illegally at a private breeding farm in Soye Asal area of Lahore.

According to APP, the raid was conducted as part of a crackdown on illegal trade and poaching of wild bird and animals across the province, ordered by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.In this regard, a wildlife department team raided a private breeding farm in Soye Asal area of Lahore and recovered a young leopard cub kept illegally there.

The rescued leopard cub has been shifted to Safari Zoo, Raiwind Road, for special care and an FIR has been registered against a suspect at Kahna police station.

In other operations, Sialkot Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger arrested a man allegedly involved in illegal trade of singing parrots and recovered five birds from his possession.

Six nabbed for wild birds trade, illegal netting

The parrots were later released in their natural environment.

Similarly, two illegal quail knitting gears have been recovered from the Saifan area in Vehari and legal action has been initiated.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department claimed to have nabbed six persons for illegal trade of birds and other offences in different operations across the province.

Officials say that under the supervision of Lahore Region Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Sakhi Muhammad Joiya, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Waseem, along with a team, conducted an operation in Lahore city and arrested two individuals for illegal trade of wild birds, including sparrows and mynas.

As per officials, the raiding team also recovered dozens of caged wild birds from the suspects’ possession.

The accused were sent on transit remand to Anarkali police station, while the birds were released back into their natural habitat.

In Gujranwala, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Ms Maryam Faiz, conducted a raid on a premises after obtaining a search warrant and recovered six ring-necked parrots, arresting a suspects.

A case has been registered against the suspect.

Similarly, in three separate operations, Dera Ghazi Khan Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Kashif Hameed arrested three individuals for illegal netting of wild birds, including quail, and unlawful possession of partridges.

A total fine of Rs239,000 was imposed on the three suspects.

Meanwhile, under the supervision of Sahiwal Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Munawar Hussain Najmi, a team confiscated illegal quail netting gear and initiated legal proceedings against a suspect.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026