Punjab Imposes Heavy Fines for Illegal Hunting – New Wildlife Law 2025
The Punjab government has officially announced strict measures against illegal hunting and wildlife trade, revising the Punjab Wildlife Act 2025 to impose heavy fines and expand enforcement powers. These new penalties aim to protect endangered species, stop the exploitation of natural habitats, and ensure accountability for violators who harm Pakistan’s biodiversity.
Background – Why Punjab Amended the Wildlife Law
For years, Punjab’s forests, wetlands, and deserts have faced serious ecological threats due to illegal hunting and poaching. Animals such as deer, partridge, markhor, and migratory birds have been hunted excessively, pushing several species toward extinction.
Wildlife officers reported that offenders often escaped punishment because previous fines were too low to serve as a deterrent. Many hunters would pay minor penalties and resume their activities within days.
To tackle this, the Punjab government has introduced new, stricter laws to safeguard wildlife resources and support conservation goals in line with Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy.
Key Changes in the Punjab Wildlife Act 2025
Under the new amendments, fines and punishments have been significantly increased. Offenders will now face heavy financial penalties, and authorities can seize vehicles, weapons, and tools used in hunting.
Updated Fine Structure
| Type of Offense | Fine/Compensation | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal hunting with vehicle | Rs. 500,000 | Vehicle confiscation |
| Illegal hunting with motorcycle | Rs. 100,000 | Vehicle confiscation |
| Hunting on foot or with nets | Rs. 10,000–50,000 | Confiscation of nets |
| Hunting with firearms | Rs. 25,000–1,000,000 | Gun confiscation |
| Possession or sale of wildlife | Rs. 50,000–200,000 | Departmental penalty |
The act also allows the Wildlife Department to recover compensation for hunted species depending on their category — rare, endangered, or protected.
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Wildlife Officers Given Police Powers
One of the most important features of the new law is that wildlife officers now have the same powers as police officers under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
This means they can:
- Conduct raids independently,
- Arrest suspects without delay, and
- Register cases in wildlife courts.
Punjab’s Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger, Syed Kamran Bukhari, said the reforms were necessary to discourage repeat offenders and give field staff the authority to act quickly against illegal hunters.
“Earlier, offenders were confident they could escape with minimal fines. Now, they will face serious financial and legal consequences,” Bukhari said.
Seizure of Hunting Equipment and Vehicles
The law clearly mentions that any vehicle, motorcycle, gun, or net used for hunting will be confiscated as case property.
The new penalties include:
- Rs. 500,000 for vehicles used in hunting,
- Rs. 100,000 for motorcycles, and
- Rs. 25,000 for bicycles.
In addition, separate penalties have been introduced for foreign-made weapons, as they are commonly used by organized hunting groups targeting migratory birds and protected mammals.
Criticism and Public Debate
While the new amendments have been praised by environmental groups, some wildlife experts and conservationists argue that the government’s approach focuses more on punishment than long-term ecological management.
Expert Opinion
Wildlife expert Badr Munir, former Honorary Game Warden, criticized the move, stating:
“The law gives more power to departments but ignores community involvement. Conservation cannot succeed without local participation.”
He added that fines for bird netting remain disproportionately low compared to vehicle-based hunting, and the abolition of the Honorary Game Warden system will weaken volunteer-led conservation work.
Government’s Perspective – “Protecting Punjab’s Natural Heritage”
According to the Punjab Wildlife Department, the primary goal of these reforms is to preserve wildlife diversity for future generations.
A government spokesperson said:
“Illegal hunting threatens Punjab’s ecological balance. Strict penalties are the only way to protect endangered species and restore discipline among hunters.”
Officials believe that with enhanced powers and higher fines, the province will be able to curb illegal trade in wildlife and support eco-tourism through better-managed natural reserves.
Impact on Local Communities and Hunters
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among rural communities, especially those in Cholistan, Thal, and Potohar, where hunting has cultural roots.
While some traditional hunters view the new rules as restrictive, others acknowledge that unchecked poaching has already depleted local wildlife populations.
Environmentalists emphasize that stricter laws are crucial to preserving ecosystems that sustain agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
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How Illegal Hunting Damages Punjab’s Environment
Illegal hunting doesn’t just kill animals — it destroys entire ecosystems. Many of Punjab’s wetlands, forests, and deserts depend on species balance.
Loss of predators and herbivores can cause:
- Crop imbalance due to pest outbreaks,
- Decline in pollination affecting agriculture, and
- Disruption of food chains, impacting natural biodiversity.
Experts also warn that illegal hunting contributes to climate vulnerability, as wildlife plays an essential role in maintaining soil fertility and forest health.
Public Awareness and Education Campaigns
The Punjab government plans to launch awareness drives in schools, universities, and rural communities to educate citizens about wildlife protection.
Non-profit organizations like WWF-Pakistan and Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department will collaborate to spread the message of sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.
Comparison with Other Provinces
Similar wildlife protection initiatives are also being implemented in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sindh recently introduced an online system for hunting permits, while KPK has banned all hunting of snow leopards and musk deer.
Punjab’s updated law is now considered one of the strictest wildlife protection frameworks in Pakistan.
Future Conservation Plans in Punjab
The Punjab government has also announced upcoming steps to promote eco-tourism and wildlife conservation, including:
- Establishing new wildlife sanctuaries in southern districts,
- Enhancing monitoring through drone surveillance,
- Launching a Wildlife Crime Control Unit, and
- Promoting community-based management projects.
These efforts aim to restore species like the blackbuck, urial, and houbara bustard, which are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.
Conclusion About Punjab Wildlife Act 2025:
The Punjab Wildlife Act 2025 amendments mark a strong commitment to protecting the province’s natural environment.
By introducing high fines, vehicle confiscations, and police-like powers for wildlife officers, the government aims to send a clear message: illegal hunting will not be tolerated.
However, for lasting success, enforcement must go hand-in-hand with education, local engagement, and habitat restoration.
Only then can Punjab truly protect its rich wildlife heritage and balance development with sustainability.
Trending FAQs – Punjab Imposes Heavy Fines for Illegal Hunting 2025
1. What are the new penalties for illegal hunting in Punjab?
Under the Punjab Wildlife Act 2025, fines now range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 million, depending on the offense. Offenders may also lose their vehicles, weapons, or equipment used for hunting.
2. Can wildlife officers arrest hunters under the new law?
Yes. Wildlife officers now have the same powers as police officers under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), allowing them to make arrests and file cases independently.
3. Why did Punjab increase fines for illegal hunting?
The government raised fines to stop repeat offenders and protect endangered species. Earlier penalties were too low, making it easy for hunters to escape consequences.
4. What happens if someone hunts using a vehicle or gun?
Hunting with a vehicle results in a Rs. 500,000 fine, while using a gun can lead to fines up to Rs. 1 million and confiscation of the weapon.
5. What species are protected under Punjab’s Wildlife Law 2025?
Protected species include deer, markhor, blackbuck, houbara bustard, cranes, and migratory birds. Hunting or trading these animals is now a punishable crime under the updated law.
