Justice Ayesha Malik calls for urgent action on animal rights in Pakistan

Lahore – Justice Ayesha Malik of the Supreme Court emphasised the need for urgent measures to protect animal rights in Pakistan at a climate change and animal rights conference held in Lahore on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Justice Ayesha Malik highlighted the significant gap in the country’s approach to animal welfare, stressing that Pakistan is far behind in safeguarding animal rights. She underscored the importance of treating animals with respect and dignity, calling for harsher penalties for those who engage in cruelty towards animals.

“Animal rights are as important as human rights, but unfortunately, no one speaks about them,” Justice Malik said. “Animals serve as living beings and must be free from fear and harm.”

She pointed out that while some organisations in Pakistan are working to improve the welfare of animals, these efforts are not enough. “We need a legal framework that provides universal protection for animals,” she stated.

Justice Malik also raised concerns about the poor condition of animals in Tollinton Market and the practice of shooting stray dogs, questioning the legal justification for such actions. “Authorities claim the dogs cause rabies, but no one knows which law allows the killing of stray dogs,” she remarked.