ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has stepped up efforts to strengthen animal welfare laws and curb illegal wildlife trade by forming a high-level committee to prepare a national framework against cruelty to animals, according to an official handout.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik chaired the first meeting of the Committee on Cruelty to Animals in Islamabad on Wednesday. The committee was formed at the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

It will review incidents of animal cruelty, improve monitoring and enforcement, strengthen laws, promote humane management of stray animals, and reform stray animal care facilities across the country.

During the meeting, participants highlighted major challenges, including weak coordination among departments, poor enforcement of laws, inadequate veterinary infrastructure, weak penalties, financial constraints, and low public awareness.

Officials said Pakistan remains vulnerable to wildlife trafficking, with falcons, freshwater turtles, big cats, crocodiles, birds, and primates among species smuggled through illegal networks.

The meeting was also briefed on the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad’s TNVR (Track, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release) drive for stray dogs. A volunteer-based system is also supporting the feeding and care of stray animals, though stronger operational mechanisms were said to be needed.

Concerns were also raised over illegal animal fighting rings, cruelty videos shared on social media, and harmful social practices causing suffering to animals.

Musadik directed authorities to collect baseline data from all provinces before the next meeting and prepare estimates for facilities and resources needed for neutering and vaccination programs nationwide.

He said cruelty against animals goes against humanity and called for a legal review to identify gaps in laws related to animal cruelty and wildlife crimes. He also stressed public awareness and coordination with provincial governments for meaningful progress.

animal cruelty

Pakistan moves to curb animal cruelty, wildlife trafficking