The writer is an
economist, anchor,
analyst and the
President of All
Pakistan Private
Schools’ Federation
president@Pakistan
privateschools.com
Animal welfare in Pakistan has not been prioritized either by the state or by the majority of the population. The mistreatment of animals is rampant, and issues such as habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and the overexploitation of animals for food are pushing many species to the brink of extinction. Globally, animal welfare is in crisis. Each year, more than 70 billion animals are raised and killed for food, many of them in industrial factory farms where conditions are abhorrent. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported that intensive farming methods, which prioritize profit over animal welfare, lead to animals being crammed into small, unsanitary spaces where they cannot exhibit natural behaviours. This not only causes physical suffering but also leads to the spread of diseases. The massive scale of this industry highlights the need for countries like Pakistan to reevaluate their reliance on meat production as a central part of the economy and culture. Animals used in research also suffer. According to the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), approximately 30% of animals used in scientific experiments are small mammals such as mice and rats. However, more alarming is the fact that about 7% of animals used in these studies are non-human primates, like monkeys, which are subjected to painful procedures that often cause immense psychological distress. Animal testing is still widely accepted in many countries, including Pakistan, where regulations on the ethical treatment of laboratory animals are insufficient. While scientific advancement is important, the ethical cost of these experiments raises questions about the moral limits of such research. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has further highlighted that over 50% of the world’s wildlife populations have vanished since the 1970s, a period during which industrialization and urbanization have drastically expanded. This loss of biodiversity is not just a matter of environmental degradation; it also poses a direct threat to human life, as healthy ecosystems are vital for clean air, water, and food security. In Pakistan, the situation mirrors the global crisis but is exacerbated by additional local challenges. Pakistan slaughters over 100 million animals annually for food, with many of these animals being raised in poor conditions and subjected to inhumane slaughter practices. The livestock sector is a significant part of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, contributing over 60% of agricultural GDP, yet the welfare of these animals is often overlooked. Conditions in slaughterhouses, transportation, and farms are rarely regulated, and there is little public awareness about the suffering these animals endure. Wildlife in Pakistan is also under immense pressure. Pakistan is home to 174 endangered species, including iconic animals such as the snow leopard, the Indus river dolphin, and the houbara bustard. Yet, despite the existence of wildlife protection laws, enforcement remains weak. Poaching for profit, illegal hunting, and the destruction of natural habitats have contributed to the extinction or near-extinction of many species. The WWF estimates that 60% of Pakistan’s wildlife has disappeared in the last decade alone due to these factors. The illegal trade in wildlife, driven by demand for exotic pets, fur, and other animal products, continues to flourish in Pakistan, largely unchecked by the authorities. Public attitudes towards animals also reflect a lack of concern for their welfare. A 2022 survey revealed that only 10% of Pakistanis consider animal welfare an important issue. This statistic is indicative of a cultural disconnect between the value placed on animals as sentient beings capable of suffering and the utilitarian view that animals exist solely for human use. This mindset, deeply embedded in societal norms, must be challenged if any meaningful change is to occur.
By recognizing the intrinsic value of non-human life and taking concrete steps to protect animals, Pakistan can lead the way in creating a more compassionate and just society.
A critical part of addressing the animal welfare crisis in Pakistan is the legal framework. Internationally, animal rights have gained increasing recognition over the last few decades. One of the most significant international efforts is the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW), which calls for the humane treatment of animals and urges governments to adopt legislation protecting their welfare. While many countries have made strides in improving animal welfare laws, Pakistan has yet to formally adopt this declaration or implement any comprehensive modern laws that address animal rights. Pakistan’s primary piece of legislation regarding animal welfare is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) of 1890. This law, passed during British colonial rule, is outdated and lacks the scope to address contemporary issues such as factory farming, animal testing, and wildlife conservation. While the PCA does prohibit certain forms of cruelty—such as beating, torturing, or overloading animals—the penalties are insufficient, with fines as low as Rs. 200 (around $1.30) and imprisonment for a maximum of six months. These minimal penalties do little to deter individuals from mistreating animals, and enforcement is sporadic at best. In contrast, other countries have made significant progress in enacting and enforcing strong animal welfare laws. In the European Union, animal welfare is protected under a range of legislative measures that regulate everything from farming practices to animal testing. The EU’s Directive 2010/63/EU specifically addresses the use of animals in scientific research, requiring that alternatives to animal testing be used whenever possible and that animals in laboratories be treated with care. These measures are backed by rigorous enforcement mechanisms and penalties that far exceed those found in Pakistan’s outdated legal framework. In Pakistan, habitat destruction is one of the main drivers of wildlife decline. The country’s forests, which cover less than 5% of its total land area, are disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation, illegal logging, and land conversion for agriculture. The destruction of mangrove forests along Pakistan’s coastline is another pressing issue. These ecosystems are vital for protecting coastal areas from storm surges and erosion, but they are being destroyed at a rapid pace due to overharvesting, pollution, and development projects. Conservation efforts must go beyond tree planting and include stronger legal protections for wildlife habitats, better enforcement of anti-poaching laws, and incentives for sustainable land use practices. Wildlife trafficking is a significant issue in Pakistan, where animals are captured or killed for their body parts, fur, and as exotic pets. The Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and Management) Act of 1975 provides some legal protection for endangered species in Pakistan, but enforcement is weak, and the penalties for poaching are often inadequate. Pakistan’s porous borders and lack of resources for monitoring wildlife trafficking make it a hotspot for illegal activity. Moreover, the lack of awareness among law enforcement officials and the general public contributes to the continued exploitation of wildlife. To combat wildlife trafficking, Pakistan must strengthen its collaboration with international organizations such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade of endangered species. By working with global partners, Pakistan can enhance its capacity to track and prosecute wildlife traffickers and develop more robust monitoring systems to prevent illegal trade. Around 70% of animals used in research in Pakistan are rodents, while approximately 10% are non-human primates. These animals are subjected to invasive procedures, often without adequate anaesthesia or pain relief, and many die as a result of experimentation. The absence of comprehensive regulations governing the use of animals in research means that there are few safeguards in place to ensure their humane treatment. In many developed countries, alternatives to animal testing are increasingly being used in scientific research. Pakistan’s scientific community must invest in these alternatives and work towards reducing its reliance on animal testing. By adopting international best practices, Pakistan can improve its standing in the global research community while also promoting ethical standards in science. One of the most effective ways to reduce animal suffering and mitigate environmental damage is to promote plant-based diets. In Pakistan, where meat consumption is deeply embedded in cultural and religious traditions, promoting plant-based diets may seem like a daunting task. However, there are growing movements around the world advocating for a shift towards more sustainable and ethical food choices. Organizations such as the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine have shown that plant-based diets can improve health outcomes, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and lessen the environmental burden of food production. Public awareness campaigns promoting the benefits of plant-based diets, along with government incentives for sustainable agriculture, could help shift consumer behavior in Pakistan. Encouraging people to reduce their meat consumption, even by a small amount, could have a significant impact on animal welfare and the environment. Education is a powerful tool for changing attitudes towards animal welfare. In Pakistan, there is a need for widespread public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of treating animals with compassion and respect. Schools, universities, and religious institutions should incorporate animal welfare into their curricula, teaching students about the ethical treatment of animals and the role that humans play in protecting the environment. The media also has a crucial role to play in promoting animal welfare. Television programs, documentaries, and social media campaigns can help raise awareness about the suffering of animals and the importance of conservation efforts. By educating the public about the intrinsic value of non-human life, Pakistan can begin to foster a culture of empathy and compassion towards animals.
There’s an urgent need for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) 1890 must be updated and enforced with stricter penalties for those who violate animal welfare laws. Every province in Pakistan should have animal welfare organizations and shelters to care for injured, abandoned, and mistreated animals. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate people about the importance of animal welfare. Schools, religious institutions, and the media can help foster a culture of empathy and compassion towards animals. Protecting natural habitats and preserving biodiversity should be a national priority. The government must increase efforts to combat deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and illegal hunting. Reducing meat consumption is one of the most effective ways to alleviate animal suffering and environmental destruction. Campaigns promoting plant-based diets should be launched to encourage healthier and more sustainable food choices. The scientific community in Pakistan should invest in research and development of alternatives to animal testing, such as in vitro methods and computer modelling. Pakistan should work closely with international organizations and participate in global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species, and promote animal welfare. Scientific institutions should adopt and promote alternative methods to animal testing, which can be more effective and ethical. The government should prioritize conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats from destruction and exploitation. Pakistan must update its outdated animal protection laws and ensure strict enforcement, with severe penalties for those who harm or exploit animals. Pakistan stands at a crossroads when it comes to animal welfare. The current situation is dire, but there is still hope for positive change. By recognizing the intrinsic value of non-human life and taking concrete steps to protect animals, Pakistan can lead the way in creating a more compassionate and just society.