LAHORE: In a decisive move to curb rampant wildlife trafficking, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has issued a stern warning against the illegal caging and selling of birds. With recent amendments to wildlife laws, poachers and traffickers now face severe repercussions, including hefty fines and long prison terms, sources in the department told Dawn.

The most significant change introduced is the reclassification of wildlife offenses from bailable to non-bailable. This shift is expected to deter offenders who previously flouted wildlife laws with impunity due to lenient penalties.

Under the new legal framework, first-time offenders will be fined up to Rs50,000. Those caught with illegal firearms or vehicles used in poaching will face additional fines of Rs50,000 and Rs100,000, respectively. Repeat offenders will see their fines doubled, while the most serious cases could result in up to seven years in prison and penalties reaching PKR 5 million.

In response, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has launched a crackdown on illegal bird trafficking, particularly targeting the notoriousSadga birds trade in Lahore. Under the supervision of Wildlife Lahore Region Deputy Director Asim Kamran, law enforcement officials arrested three offenders and seized dozens of caged birds from Data Darbar Market. Confiscated species included house sparrows, mynas, finches and wagtails, which are commonly exploited in the trade. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and a complaint cell has been set up to act swiftly on reports of illegal bird sales.

To bolster enforcement, the department is also establishing protection centers to streamline prosecutions and ensure stricter application of the law.

`The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department is committed to preserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable conservation practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities,` said Imran Maqbool, spokesperson for Director General Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department MudassirRiazMalik.

As the crackdown intensifies, authorities urge citizens to stay vigilant and report any illegal wildlife activities. `The fight against wildlife crime is a collective responsibility, and public cooperation is crucial in safeguarding our natural heritage,` Mr Maqbool added.