ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the Ministry of Climate Change to inform the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to tell the political parties not to exhibit animals such as lions, donkeys, etc. in public rallies/assemblies as it amounts to subjecting them to unnecessary pain and suffering which is an offence.
A single bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice of IHC Justice Athar Minallah issued the directions while hearing a petition moved by Pakistan Animal Welfare Society through its counsel Muhammad Ali Raza Advocate against the permission granted for import of endangered species of animals and particularly the elephants.
The IHC bench directed Ministry of Climate Change to submit a report, inter-alia, highlighting actions taken against persons who are in possession of exotic animals e.g. lions, reptiles, etc. without a permit or who display them in violation of the Act of 2012.”
It added, “The Ministry of Climate Change is also expected to inform the Election Commission of Pakistan that exhibiting animals such as lions, donkeys, etc. in public rallies/assemblies amounts to subjecting them to unnecessary pain and suffering which is an offence. The Election Commission of Pakistan thereafter would be expected to advise the political parties to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering in their rallies/assemblies.”
During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Maryam Ali Abbasi drew the attention of the court to the abuse of exotic animals such as lions, reptiles, etc. She said that exotic animals have been illegally imported and are kept in private residences without obtaining permission/permits required under various laws. She also said that animal beings such as lions, donkeys, etc are displayed in political rallies/assemblies and their treatment exposes them to pain and suffering which is an offence under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876.
M Naeem Tarar, Section Officer also appeared on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce and submitted copies of notifications whereby the import and export policy order have been amended so as to ensure conformity with the provisions of Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act, 2012.
Justice Athar noted in his order that any animals included in the schedule of the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 1973 are liable to confiscation if they are found in possession without a permit or certificate, which is an offence under the Act of 2012 and punishable under section 3 ibid.
The court asked from Zona Zaidi, Deputy Conservator, Ministry of Climate Change, regarding actions taken against persons who have illegally imported animals and have kept them in unlawful possession. She stated that numerous letters have been written to the provincial governments but the latter have so far not taken any action. The IHC bench observed that the stance on behalf of the federal government does not appear to be in conformity with its obligations under the Act of 2012.
Later, the bench deferred the hearing in this matter till May 20 for further proceedings.