LAHORE: In a significant development for animal welfare in Pakistan, the Lahore High Court has directed the Punjab Wildlife Department to take swift action following the tragic Data Darbar Animal Massacre. The Honorable Justice Shehram Sarwar, hearing the case Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan v. Government of Punjab (W.P. No. 66492/2025), has issued an order requiring the department to address the incident within 30 days.
The court’s directive mandates that the petition filed by Advocate Altamush Saeed be treated as a formal representation, with a detailed report to be submitted. The report must include an investigation into the causes of the tragedy, a concrete plan to prevent similar events, and actions to hold those responsible accountable. The report should also include plans for educational programs aimed at fostering empathy and responsibility toward animals within government departments.
Justice Shehram emphasized that failure to comply with the order could result in contempt proceedings, ensuring that the department is held accountable for its actions.
This ruling marks a major step for animal rights in Pakistan, as it is the first time the Punjab Wildlife Department has been legally compelled to take action on such an issue. Advocates argue that the deaths of the animals were entirely preventable, and if the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had coordinated with the Wildlife Department, the animals could have been safely relocated rather than killed.
The forthcoming report is expected to provide much-needed transparency on the incident, which has been widely condemned as one of the darkest moments for animal welfare in Lahore.
