Key Takeaways
- Sindh has banned the use of nets to trap birds in three districts for 90 days.
- The ban covers Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin from September 13 to December 11.
- Wildlife authorities report active illegal trapping around wetlands and natural habitats.
Sindh has imposed a 90-day ban on the installation and use of nets to trap migratory and native birds in three districts of the lower Indus Delta, according to an official notification issued by the Hyderabad Division administration.
The ban, which comes into effect on September 13 and lasts until December 11, targets areas such as Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin, where wildlife authorities have reported active illegal trapping around wetlands and natural habitats.
Javed Ahmed Mahar, the chief of the Sindh Wildlife Department, stated that the administration has taken relevant departments on board to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of protecting the region's biodiversity.
The Thatta-Badin-Sujawal region is the last stop of the Indus Flyway for migratory birds and is among the areas most affected by illegal hunting, according to Mahar.
He highlighted that illegal trapping and trade through nets have become a large-scale activity in the area, with thousands of birds being caught and sold each year.
The notification authorizes police to register cases under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code against violators, signaling a strict enforcement of the ban.
The wildlife department has also urged residents to report suspected illegal hunting camps and assured the confidentiality of informants.
Mahar further noted that fake licenses for catching and trading falcons, ducks, and quails are illegal and violate both national laws and international conservation commitments.
