On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Tuesday amended the Wildlife Act, 1974 under which separate courts would be set up to prosecute those involved in the torture of wild animals and other offences against them, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
As per the amendments, fine amounting to Rs500,000 would be slapped on those violating animals’ rights.
Briefing the committee, which met with MPA Muhammad Adnan Dogar in the chair, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who is also the minister for wildlife, said that it was after 14 years that amendments had been made to the Act.
She said there was a need to preserve wildlife in the province as per international standards.
She further said the amendments had given legal cover to the areas where there were wild animals. “Now there will be only one Board on Protected Areas and Wildlife Management,” the minister informed.
She said that she would be the Board chairperson, while the secretary wildlife would be its vice chairman and the DG its secretary.
Marriyum also informed that a new Force would be raised for the protection of wild animals.
Similarly, she went on to say, special enters would be set up for the treatment and preservation of wildlife. “For the first time in the history of the province, drones will be used to keep an eye on these animals.”