Punjab Cracks Down on Illegal Hunting with Over 125 FIRs

Authorities in Punjab have stepped up their fight against illegal hunting in Punjab, registering more than 125 First Information Reports (FIRs) across the province. Wildlife Rangers have rescued nearly 300 wild birds from poachers and released them back into their natural habitats. The large-scale action highlights the government’s determination to protect endangered species during the peak migratory bird season.

Major Operation Across Punjab

Wildlife Rangers launched enforcement drives in several districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Jhang, the Salt Range, and South Punjab. Officials reported that most offenders were caught trapping quails, partridges, and parrots through unlawful netting methods.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Dr. Ghulam Rasool confirmed that falcons and quails are key migratory birds entering Pakistan from early August. These birds, often found near rivers, lakes, and water channels, are easy targets for hunters during their vulnerable breeding season.

Habitats Under Threat

Falcons thrive in semi-desert and hilly areas, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and the Salt Range of Sargodha and Khushab. Poachers value these raptors for hunting and trade, making them frequent victims of illegal capture. Hunters often tether smaller birds as bait or use nets to trap falcons, exposing the cruelty of the trade.

Quails, in contrast, are concentrated in Punjab’s fertile central districts. Areas such as Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, and Vehari serve as major breeding grounds due to their agricultural landscapes. Cotton and wheat fields in Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, and Khanewal also provide natural habitats, making quails easy prey.

Read: JUI-F Leader Injured, Daughter Killed in Malakand Shooting

Commitment to Eradication

Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi stressed that the crackdown will continue with “full commitment and force” until illegal hunting is eradicated. He warned that violators would face strict legal consequences without exception.

Confiscated equipment, including firearms, nets, and loudspeakers, has been presented to local authorities as evidence of the widespread nature of the illegal trade.

Allegations of Official Complicity

Despite the strong stance, hunters’ groups allege that the illegal trade cannot flourish without the support of certain officials. Mastanir Afzal Lodhi of the Pakistan Hunters’ Association claimed that poachers enjoy backing from within the system. He revealed that falcons captured in Punjab and Sindh are often transported to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Tank, where they are sold through local auctions.

Lucrative Black Market

The illegal trade in falcons is highly profitable. Prices range from PKR 500,000 to PKR 10 million, depending on the bird’s quality. Hunters often share pictures of captured falcons in private WhatsApp groups, where secret bidding takes place.

Many of these birds end up in the hands of wealthy hunters from Gulf states. Arab falconers visiting Pakistan sometimes exchange low-value falcons with high-quality birds procured locally. In some cases, falcons are smuggled abroad via sea routes.

International Auctions

The global demand for falcons remains exceptionally high. In 2020, a Peregrine Falcon sold for USD 173,000 in Saudi Arabia. A year later, a rare white Gyrfalcon fetched USD 93,347. In 2024, a Peregrine falcon chick was auctioned for USD 106,600. These staggering prices reveal why traffickers target Pakistan’s bird populations despite strict bans.

Global Wildlife Concerns

Falcons and quails are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This treaty bans commercial trade in many species, yet smuggling networks continue to exploit loopholes. Conservationists warn that unchecked poaching threatens biodiversity and undermines Pakistan’s obligations under global wildlife agreements.

Climate and Habitat Pressures

Migratory birds already face shrinking habitats due to urbanization, deforestation, and climate change. Illegal hunting adds another layer of risk, pushing certain species closer to extinction. Experts argue that strict law enforcement, combined with public awareness, is necessary to protect these fragile populations.

Urgency of Continued Vigilance

With the migratory season at its peak, officials and conservationists insist that vigilance must remain strong. Every falcon, quail, or partridge saved strengthens Pakistan’s biodiversity and honors international commitments. The fight against illegal hunting in Punjab is not just about law enforcement; it is about safeguarding natural heritage for future generations.