LHC summons Wildlife secretary in houbara bustard hunting case

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th May, 2026) The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday summoned the secretary Wildlife in person while hearing a petition seeking a ban on houbara bustard hunting.

Justice Muhammad Javid Iqbal Wains heard the petition filed by citizen Naeem Sadiq, requesting the court to impose an immediate ban on the hunting of the rare bird and stop the issuance of hunting permits.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that hunting permits were being issued continuously despite a rapid decline in the houbara bustard population.

The lawyer informed the court that the bird species had already disappeared completely from several areas.

The counsel further contended that it was unclear whether the Wildlife Department had any clear policy regarding houbara bustard hunting.

The court directed the Secretary Wildlife to appear at the next hearing in personal capacity and assist the court on the existing policy and legal framework governing houbara bustard hunting.