Lahore: In an ongoing effort to combat the illegal trade and smuggling of rare wildlife, the Punjab government, under the directives of Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, has successfully recovered a rare eagle valued at over 36,000 US dollars. The operation, which took place in Taunsa, led to the arrest of a suspect involved in the international smuggling of rare birds.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 22 September 2024, the raid was conducted by the Wildlife Department in collaboration with the local police, following a tip-off about the suspect’s activities. The recovered eagle was found to be in good health and is slated to be released back into the wild with a tracking device to monitor its migration and ensure its safety.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, representing the Chief Minister of Punjab, praised the Wildlife Department for their diligent efforts in the successful operation. She emphasized the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance and highlighted that the release of the eagle will contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.

The raid in Taunsa is part of a broader initiative under the Chief Minister’s policy for the protection of forests and wildlife across Punjab. This policy has led to multiple operations where rare animals and birds have been rescued and relocated to zoos or released back into their natural habitats. These efforts also include medical treatment for injured wildlife, significantly improving survival rates.

The continuous actions taken by the Punjab government underscore its commitment to preserving biodiversity and curbing illegal activities that threaten wildlife.