Animal and Environmental Laws in

Pakistan
Animal Laws in Pakistan

1. The West Pakistan Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890

This act provides guidelines to prevent cruelty towards animals. It includes provisions on
the treatment, transportation, and slaughter of animals, and outlines penalties for violating
these rules.

2. The Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and

Management) Act, 1974
This act focuses on the conservation and protection of wildlife in Punjab. It includes
regulations on hunting, capturing, and trading of wildlife.

3. The Balochistan Wildlife Protection Act, 2014

Similar to Punjab's wildlife protection act, this law governs the conservation of wildlife in
Balochistan, regulating activities that may harm wildlife populations and their habitats.

4. The Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972

This ordinance provides a framework for the protection and management of wildlife in
Sindh, including regulations on hunting and conservation efforts.

5. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity (Protection, Preservation,

Conservation, and Management) Act, 2015
This act addresses the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
outlining measures to protect endangered species and habitats.

Environmental Laws in Pakistan

1. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

This is the principal environmental law in Pakistan, providing for the protection,
conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the environment. It includes provisions on
pollution control, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and the establishment of
environmental protection agencies at the federal and provincial levels.

Source: Pakistan Code

(https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administrator17094efb999f9a865461eb149817594
7.pdf)
2. National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)
These standards set limits on pollutants released into the environment, including air, water,
and noise pollution. They are enforced by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
(Pak-EPA).

Source: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (https://environment.gov.pk/)

3. Single-use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023

These regulations aim to eliminate the use of single-use plastics in Pakistan, promoting
sustainable alternatives and reducing plastic pollution.

Source: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (https://environment.gov.pk/)

4. Hospital Waste Management Rules, 2005

These rules provide guidelines for the proper management and disposal of hospital waste to
minimize environmental and health risks.

Source: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (https://environment.gov.pk/)

5. The Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017

This act establishes the framework for addressing climate change in Pakistan, including the
creation of the Pakistan Climate Change Council and the Pakistan Climate Change Authority
to oversee climate-related policies and initiatives.

Source: Pakistan Code

(https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administrator17094efb999f9a865461eb149817594
7.pdf)

6. The Pollution Charge for Industry (Calculation and Collection) Rules, 2001
These rules outline the mechanisms for charging industries based on their pollution levels
to incentivize pollution reduction efforts.

Source: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (https://environment.gov.pk/)

Animal and Environmental Rights Violations in Pakistan (Since 2010)

Animal Rights Violations

1. Stray Dog Cullings

In Rawalpindi, the killing of stray dogs has been a significant issue. Incidents have been
reported where local authorities, instead of opting for humane solutions, resorted to culling
stray dogs. There have been calls for the establishment of dog shelters as a more humane
approach to manage the stray dog population.

Source: [Courting The Law](https://courtingthelaw.com/2022/01/11/animal-rights-in-

pakistan/)

2. Zoo Conditions
Animals in zoos across Pakistan face poor living conditions. These conditions often lead to
animal distress and suffering. Efforts to improve the living conditions of zoo animals have
been sporadic and insufficient.

Source: [Courting The Law](https://courtingthelaw.com/2022/01/11/animal-rights-in-

pakistan/)

3. Bear Baiting
Although bear baiting was prohibited in 2001, it still occurs in some areas. This practice
involves forcing bears to fight with dogs, causing significant injury and distress to the
animals involved.

Source: [Courting The Law](https://courtingthelaw.com/2022/01/11/animal-rights-in-

pakistan/)

Environmental Rights Violations

1. Climate Change Impact

Pakistan has faced increased incidents of extreme weather and natural disasters due to
climate change. The impact on communities and the environment has been severe, with
little action taken to mitigate these effects.

Source: [Amnesty
International](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/03/pakistan-heatwave-
death-toll-rises-as-temperatures-soar/)

2. Industrial Pollution
Industrial activities have led to significant pollution of air, water, and soil in various regions.
There have been numerous reports of factories discharging untreated waste into water
bodies, affecting both human and environmental health.
Source: [Human Rights Watch](https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-
chapters/pakistan)

3. Deforestation
Rapid deforestation for agriculture and urban development has been a persistent problem,
leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.

Source: [Global Forest

Watch](https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PAK/)

4. Hazardous Waste
Improper disposal of hazardous waste, including electronic waste and chemical by-
products, has led to contamination of land and water resources, posing a threat to both
human and environmental health.

Source: [Human Rights Watch](https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-

chapters/pakistan)

Case Studies and Reports

1. Human Rights Watch Reports

Various reports by Human Rights Watch have documented environmental degradation and
inadequate government response to environmental issues, highlighting the need for
stronger enforcement of environmental laws.

Source: [Human Rights Watch](https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-

chapters/pakistan)

2. Amnesty International
Amnesty International has raised concerns about the government's failure to protect the
environment and address climate change, as well as the impact of environmental
degradation on vulnerable communities.

Source: [Amnesty
International](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/03/pakistan-heatwave-
death-toll-rises-as-temperatures-soar/)

3. Journalistic Investigations
Investigations by local and international journalists have uncovered numerous instances of
environmental negligence, including illegal logging, unregulated mining, and pollution from
industrial activities.

Source: [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53753272)
Blog: Addressing Animal and Environmental Rights Violations in Pakistan

Introduction

Pakistan, a country with rich biodiversity and natural resources, faces significant
challenges in protecting its environment and animal life. Despite the presence of various
laws aimed at preserving the environment and safeguarding animal rights, violations
continue to occur. This blog delves into some of the significant issues related to animal
and environmental rights in Pakistan, highlighting the existing legal framework, notable
violations, and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and public awareness.

Animal Rights Violations

1. Stray Dog Cullings

In Pakistan, the issue of stray dogs has often been handled through culling, a method that
involves the mass killing of these animals. This practice is not only inhumane but also
ineffective in controlling the stray dog population. The West Pakistan Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, which is the primary legislation concerning animal
welfare, is outdated and inadequate in addressing current challenges. There have been
calls for establishing dog shelters and adopting humane methods such as spaying and
neutering to manage the stray dog population.

Despite these legal provisions, stray dog culling remains a prevalent issue. In Rawalpindi,
numerous incidents have been reported where local authorities resorted to killing stray
dogs instead of exploring humane solutions. This highlights a significant gap between the
legislation and its enforcement. Humane societies and animal rights activists continue to
advocate for more compassionate approaches, but progress has been slow.

2. Poor Conditions in Zoos

Zoos in Pakistan are notorious for their poor conditions, leading to the suffering of many
animals. Animals are often kept in small, inadequate enclosures without proper care and
nutrition. The Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972, and other provincial wildlife
laws aim to protect wildlife and ensure their welfare in captivity. However, these laws are
frequently violated, and enforcement is lax.

The Islamabad Zoo, for instance, gained international attention when Kaavan, an
elephant, was found living in deplorable conditions. After years of campaigning by
animal rights activists and intervention by the Islamabad High Court, Kaavan was finally
relocated to a sanctuary in Cambodia. This case underscores the urgent need for stricter
regulations and better enforcement of existing laws to ensure the welfare of animals in
captivity.

Environmental Rights Violations

 1. Climate Change Impact

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, experiencing frequent

extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts. The Pakistan Climate
Change Act, 2017, was enacted to address these issues by establishing the Pakistan
Climate Change Council and the Pakistan Climate Change Authority. These bodies are
responsible for formulating policies and coordinating efforts to combat climate change.

Despite these legislative efforts, the effects of climate change continue to devastate
communities and ecosystems. For instance, the 2019 heatwave in Karachi resulted in
numerous fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for more effective climate adaptation
and mitigation strategies. Reports by organizations like Amnesty International have
criticized the government for its inadequate response and lack of proactive measures to
protect vulnerable populations.

2. Industrial Pollution

Industrial pollution is a major environmental issue in Pakistan, with factories and

industrial units often discharging untreated waste into rivers and air. The Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act, 1997, provides a comprehensive framework for
controlling pollution and protecting the environment. However, enforcement remains a
significant challenge.

Numerous reports have documented instances of severe pollution in industrial areas such
as Faisalabad and Karachi. Factories releasing toxic effluents into water bodies have led
to water contamination, posing health risks to nearby communities and damaging aquatic
ecosystems. Despite the existence of National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS),
compliance is often ignored, and violators are rarely held accountable.

3. Deforestation

Deforestation is another pressing environmental issue in Pakistan. Rapid deforestation for

agriculture, urban development, and illegal logging has resulted in the loss of biodiversity
and disruption of ecosystems. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act,
2015, and other provincial laws aim to protect forests and promote sustainable
management of natural resources.

However, enforcement of these laws is weak, and deforestation continues unabated. The
Global Forest Watch has reported significant forest cover loss in Pakistan over the past
decade. This not only threatens wildlife habitats but also contributes to climate change by
reducing the country’s carbon sink capacity.

Connecting Laws and Violations

The legal framework in Pakistan for protecting animal rights and the environment is
comprehensive on paper but falls short in practice due to poor enforcement and lack of
public awareness. The West Pakistan Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, and
various wildlife protection laws need to be updated and enforced rigorously to address
modern challenges effectively. Similarly, environmental laws like the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act, 1997, and the Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017, require
stronger implementation and monitoring mechanisms.

Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach. First, there is a need for
capacity building among law enforcement agencies to ensure they are equipped to
implement these laws effectively. Second, public awareness campaigns are crucial to
educate citizens about the importance of animal welfare and environmental conservation.
Schools can play a significant role by incorporating these topics into their curricula.

Additionally, civil society organizations and the media must continue to highlight
violations and advocate for stronger policies and enforcement. Collaborative efforts
between the government, NGOs, and the private sector can lead to more sustainable
solutions and ensure that Pakistan’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Conclusion

The state of animal and environmental rights in Pakistan highlights a critical need for
action. While the country has a legal framework in place, enforcement and public
awareness are severely lacking. By strengthening laws, improving enforcement
mechanisms, and raising awareness, Pakistan can make significant strides in protecting
its environment and ensuring the welfare of its animal population. It is not only a legal
obligation but a moral imperative to address these issues and work towards a more
sustainable and humane future.