Black partridge breeders urged the Punjab government to restore the suspended licensing system for keeping the birds at a protest held in Muzaffargarh.
According to sources, enthusiasts who raise black partridges organized a rally under the leadership of Asif Nadeem, President of the Black Partridge Association Pakistan. Protesters carried banners and placards with slogans supporting their demands.
Speaking at the rally, Asif Nadeem said that keeping black partridges is an important part of Punjab’s cultural heritage. He said breeders and enthusiasts across the province are protesting the suspension of licenses for keeping the birds.
He explained that the restriction applies only in Punjab. The issuance of new licenses has been halted, and the renewal of existing licenses has also been suspended. However, licenses continue to be issued in other provinces.
Nadeem said breeders have been raising rare black partridges in their homes for years to increase their population rather than harm them. “We care for these birds like our own children,” he said, adding that their efforts promote Punjab’s culture and help conserve the species.
The association appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and provincial wildlife authorities to resume issuing licenses instead of taking action against breeders.