Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has expressed serious concern over violations of the Sindh Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and Management Act, 2020, at the Karachi Zoo, directing the Wildlife Department to take immediate corrective action in accordance with the law.
Presiding over a high-level meeting to review the performance, legal framework, and enforcement of the Sindh Wildlife Department, the chief secretary emphasized the urgent need for reform and accountability in wildlife management across the province.
During the meeting, Shah instructed the authorities to draft clear legal provisions banning the import of exotic animal species not native to Sindh.
He clarified that such imports would only be permitted for scientific or research purposes with official approval.
He also directed that all exotic animals already present in Sindh be registered, monitored, and properly cared for, warning that any violations would result in strict penalties under the Wildlife Act.
“Wildlife protection laws must be enforced in letter and spirit to safeguard Sindh’s natural heritage for future generations,” the chief secretary stated.
Briefing the meeting, Chief Wildlife Conservator Javed Mahar highlighted serious enforcement gaps and revealed that the Karachi Zoo does not comply with mandatory standards outlined in the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act.
He explained that the law requires specific conditions for keeping big cats, including:
Mahar also reported that 129 wildlife-related cases have been pending in courts across Sindh since 2020, underscoring the need for stronger legal enforcement.
The chief secretary directed the Wildlife Department to prepare a detailed compliance report on all ongoing cases and announced plans to personally take up the matter with the Sindh High Court chief justice for faster hearings and resolutions.
He warned that the Wildlife Department will be held accountable for any violation of protection laws and instructed officials to neutralise exotic species to prevent uncontrolled breeding and maintain ecological balance.
All owners of exotic animals must declare and register their animals within a specified timeframe, with failure to comply leading to strict legal action.
The department will also issue habitat management guidelines and enforce population control measures.
Shah announced that the government will soon convene a consultation session with wildlife experts, civil society representatives, academics, and government officials to address issues such as wildlife trafficking, habitat degradation, and conservation challenges.
The session will aim to develop legislative recommendations, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and sustainable wildlife management strategies to strengthen conservation efforts across Sindh.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Shah said, “Protecting biodiversity, preventing habitat loss, and ensuring humane treatment of animals remain top priorities of the Sindh government.”