Every winter, when icy winds sweep across Central Asia, thousands of migratory birds, especially houbara bustard, fly towards the warm landscapes of Pakistan. From the lakes of Sindh to the wetlands of Punjab and the coastal belt of Balochistan, these travellers bring life, colour and ecological balance. Yet, despite their beauty and importance, many of them never complete their journey because they are hunted, trapped, or driven away from their natural resting places. The hunting of migratory birds is not only a loss for wildlife, it is a loss for Pakistan’s environment, identity and future.
Migratory birds are essential for our ecosystem, and their presence is a sign of environmental health. They help in pollination, seed dispersal, and the natural control of pests, which benefits agriculture, forests, and even human settlements. When these birds arrive in Pakistan, they revitalise our wetlands, enrich biodiversity, and support the natural rhythms of life.
However, when they are hunted in large numbers, these natural processes weaken, and the entire ecological chain becomes unstable. The disappearance of migrating birds is a warning that our environment is suffering, and that urgent action is needed.
In many regions of Pakistan, particularly in the Indus Delta, the Kirthar Range and the lakes surrounding Thatta, Badin and Larkana, illegal hunting has unfortunately turned into a routine activity. Rare and endangered birds, such as the houbara bustard, cranes, ducks and falcons, are hunted for sport, display or illegal trade. This reckless hunting not only decreases their population, but also damages Pakistan’s international reputation, and violates global commitments on wildlife protection. While traditions and customs are sincerely respected, no tradition can ever justify causing harm to nature and destruction of species that belong to the world.
Habitat destruction is another major threat faced by these migratory birds. Rapid urbanisation, pollution of rivers, cutting of forests, and the drying of wetlands leave the birds with fewer safe places to rest. When wetlands shrink due to unplanned development, and when water bodies become polluted with industrial waste, migratory birds become weak and vulnerable. Nature belongs to all of us, and all of us must protect it.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN CHEEHANI
AGRA, SINDH
