LAHORE, Jan 8: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said on Monday that punishment for poaching was being revised and would range from a minimum one year to a maximum five years.

Presiding more a meeting held to setting up recreational parks and development of the wildlife sector, the chief minister announced the decision, saying that the cabinet had finalised the revision and it would be presented in the next assembly session for legislation.

He said the services of international experts had been hired to upgrade the Lahore Wildlife Park and the Lal Sohanra National Park, Bahawalpur.

He added the number of animals in the parks would be increased besides renovation and beautification projects would be undertaken.

Mr Elahi said the private sector was allowed to establish private wildlife parks for educational, recreational and research purposes. Wildlife Director General Imtiaz Tajwar gave a briefing to the chief minister.

Mr Elahi said the government was paying special attention to provide modern recreational facilities to the masses to help them form a healthy society.