The government of Punjab has launched a major inquiry and reform process after the Data Darbar Animal Massacre, marking one of the most significant developments for animal welfare in Pakistan.
The action comes after continued legal efforts by Advocate Altamush Saeed, Founding Managing Partner of Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan.
Data Darbar Incident
The incident began when an unregulated anti-encroachment operation at Lahore’s Parinda Market led to the deaths of several animals and birds. With no standard operating procedures or protections in place, the case goes to show major gaps in how the government handles animal welfare during such operations.
Advocate Altamush Saeed took the matter to the Lahore High Court in Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan v. Government of Punjab, arguing that the incident represented both a humane tragedy and a systemic failure. On 10 November, the Court directed the Secretary of the Punjab Wildlife Department to treat the case as a formal legal complaint. It also ordered all relevant government departments to appear, conduct an inquiry, and take steps to prevent such incidents in the future, including examining possible criminal responsibility.
As a result of this order, a rare multi-department inquiry meeting was held on 2 December 2025. It included the Wildlife Department, Livestock Department, Local Government & Community Development, Assistant Commissioner Lahore, Lahore Development Authority, Auqaf Department, and Metropolitan Corporation Lahore. This was the first time so many departments were brought together for an animal welfare matter.
On 7 December, Secretary Muddassir Riaz Malik issued key findings. He stated that animal and bird welfare must be treated as a priority, especially during anti-encroachment operations. He confirmed that no department had any protocols for protecting animals and that the Livestock Department had also failed to develop regulations required under the Punjab Animal Health Act 2019. He also noted that no shopkeepers filed complaints, which made pursuing criminal charges difficult.
New Committee for Animal Welfare
To address the structural issues, the Secretary formed a high-level reform committee to draft new regulations, develop SOPs, and create enforceable protections for animals during government operations. The committee includes senior officials from the Wildlife & Parks Department, Home Department, Livestock Department, LDA, Local Government Department, the Deputy Commissioner’s office, MCL, wildlife expert Dr. Uzma Khan of WWF-Pakistan, and Advocate Altamush Saeed as the legal expert. The committee has been asked to submit its report within one month.
The case has now become a major step toward long-term animal welfare reform in Punjab. Advocate Altamush Saeed’s efforts have turned a tragic incident into a push for stronger legal protections and accountability. The government inquiry and new committee, hopefully, mark the beginning of a structured framework to safeguard animals during state operations across the province.
haha, isn’t it funny, the same govt initiated the operation conducting inquiry…
Bhai is mulk ma insanoon k rights ka khayal nhi kiya jata…. animals ki bat to bht door ha