Karachi: A recent revelation has uncovered that Lahore Zoo might be housing animals allegedly smuggled from Afghanistan.
The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Director General of Wildlife and Parks Lahore, the Directorate of Customs Intelligence, and others in response to a trader’s inquiry request regarding the animal import business.
The court session was held based on the request of a trader involved in the animal import business.
The trader’s lawyer stated that a private company had an agreement to purchase 16 macaques and transfer them to Afghanistan.
Under this agreement, the macaques, imported from Africa, were to be handed over to Animal Plant in Afghanistan.
The macaques, imported from West Africa, were reportedly smuggled from Afghanistan to Lahore Zoo by Animal Plant. Several macaques died during the smuggling process.
The request claims that the company’s international reputation has been damaged.
The petition calls for an investigation into the smuggling of macaques from Afghanistan to Pakistan and legal action against those responsible for the smuggling.
The court has issued notices to the Director General of Wildlife and Parks Lahore, the Directorate of Customs Intelligence, and others, seeking responses from the parties by August 15.