By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Supreme Court Judge Justice Athar Minallah has expressed concern over the lack of attention given to animal rights in Pakistan. Speaking at the first-ever International Animal and Environmental Rights Conference held at a local hotel in Lahore, Justice Minallah emphasized the importance of addressing this neglected issue alongside fundamental human rights.
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Justice Minallah highlighted Islamabad High Court’s rulings on various matters, including enforced disappearances, prisoners’ rights, and fundamental freedoms. He mentioned a petition related to a zoo and recounted how animals, such as elephants, also experience emotions and feelings similar to humans.
Sharing a historical perspective, Justice Minallah recalled how a three-year-old elephant calf was sent from Sri Lanka to Pakistan at the request of the late General Zia-ul-Haq, who sought the animal for his daughter. The calf, initially kept in a backyard, was later moved to a zoo in Islamabad. Justice Minallah, while dealing with cases of enforced disappearances, said he could empathize with the pain of losing a loved one, drawing parallels to the distress animals endure in captivity.
Prominent actress and social activist Faryal Gohar also addressed the conference, lauding the growing awareness of animal rights in Pakistan. She commended young lawyer Altamush Saeed for his efforts to advocate for animal welfare and called for collective support for such initiatives.
Other speakers at the event included Imrana Tawana, Advocate Usama Malik, and Altamush Saeed, the conference organizer, alongside several international delegates who also shared their views on animal and environmental rights.
