Wildlife Punjab Takes Major Step on CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Directive

Lahore, March 26, 2025: For the first time in Punjab’s history, a declaration campaign has been launched to regulate big cats, including lions, cheetahs, jaguars, and leopards. In the first phase, individuals keeping these big cats across the province have been ordered to declare them within 30 days. In this regard, the Punjab Wildlife Department has also issued a public notice.

Big cat owners must provide the following details to the Punjab Wildlife Department: the animal’s age, location where it is kept, breed, and total number. To facilitate this process, the department has introduced the “Paas App,” allowing owners to submit their details within 30 days. The app can be downloaded from the Play Store. Legal action will be taken against those who fail to provide information within the given time frame.

Punjab Wildlife teams will fully assist owners during the declaration process. Once completed, private ownership and regulation of big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars) will officially begin. This initiative aims to ensure public safety, improve the welfare of big cats, and eliminate issues like illegal trade and public display.

In accordance with global standards, the Punjab government has amended the 1974 Wildlife Act to regulate big cats. They have been included in Schedule II, making it mandatory for owners to obtain a license from the Punjab Wildlife Department. Keeping big cats without a license will be considered a non-bailable offense, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a heavy fine. Illegally kept big cats will be confiscated.

Licenses will only be issued to individuals who meet the required conditions and standards set according to international regulations. These conditions are available on the Punjab Wildlife website: http://pwl.gop.pk.

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