Authorities registered a case against individuals in Rawalpindi’s Bewal area after a lion was recovered from a private residence during a raid carried out by Punjab Wildlife Department officials. The case, lodged under provisions of the Punjab Wildlife Protection, Preservation and Conservation Act 1974, highlights illegal possession and violations associated with the keeping of wildlife without proper licensing.
According to Wildlife Inspector Sami Akhtar, who filed the official complaint at Gujar Khan Police Station, officials acted upon receiving confidential information regarding an illegally kept lion at the residence belonging to Malik Tasadaq Iqbal. Following the receipt of this intelligence, the Wildlife Department approached the court of Civil Judge Gujar Khan Hasnat Aslam and successfully obtained a warrant to conduct a thorough search at the indicated premises.
Upon execution of the search warrant, wildlife officials found and seized a dangerous lion from Malik Tasadaq’s property. However, during the raid, Rukhsar Ahmed, an employee hired specifically for the care of the lion, managed to escape from the location.
The first information report (FIR) emphasizes that under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2025, it is strictly prohibited to keep a lion without valid registration and licenses. Authorities have documented the accused parties’ violation of multiple sections of the Wildlife Act, specifically sections 9, 10, 12, 14, 21, and 28, which pertain to unlawful possession, care, and retention of protected wildlife animals.
The Wildlife Department urged the public to comply with wildlife regulations, reiterating its commitment to strictly enforce legal actions against those who breach wildlife protection laws.
