Stronger Penalties, But Growing Conservation Concerns
The Punjab government has introduced major amendments to the Punjab Wildlife Act, increasing fines and penalties for illegal hunting, wildlife trading, and other offences. However, conservation experts warn that the revisions could weaken wildlife protection and shift focus away from ecological preservation.
Under the new provisions, offenders must now pay compensation for hunted species in addition to facing heavy fines and confiscation of vehicles, weapons, and equipment used in the offence. While the government says the changes will discourage poaching, environmentalists fear loopholes that may encourage commercial hunting.
Experts Criticize Imbalanced and Restrictive Changes
Wildlife expert and former Honorary Game Warden Badr Munir acknowledged the efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and the Wildlife Department to protect nature. Yet, he expressed concern that “bureaucratic elements” within the system are introducing clauses that could undermine the chief minister’s vision for sustainable conservation.
Munir highlighted an example: a hunter using a rifle and vehicle to shoot a partridge could face fines up to Rs200,000, while someone capturing dozens of partridges with nets may only pay a few thousand rupees. He called this imbalance “unfair and counterproductive,” warning that it might embolden commercial poachers rather than deter them.
He also criticised the abolition of the Honorary Game Warden system, which he said once played a vital role in linking local communities with wildlife authorities. “Without these volunteers, community involvement in conservation will diminish,” Munir warned.
Government Defends Amendments as Necessary Reform
In response, Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Kamran Bukhari defended the changes, saying the goal is to deter illegal hunting through substantial fines and empower wildlife officers with new legal authority. Penalties now range from Rs10,000 to Rs1 million, depending on the severity of the offence.
Bukhari explained that wildlife officers can now register FIRs online and detain offenders directly under powers equivalent to those of police officers. He also clarified that the Honorary Warden system still exists under the Wildlife Protected Area Rules 2022, ensuring oversight by the Wildlife Management Board, the province’s top conservation authority.
