Marking an important step for animal welfare in Pakistan, the very first conference on the well-being of animals in the country ended in Lahore with a convincing declaration. The conference urged decision-makers to reform national laws and policies in accordance with Islamic values, scientific research and international animal welfare standards.
Organized by Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group (Parag), the top of a day brought together votes from the academic world, veterinary sciences, law, agriculture, environmental sciences and confessional communities.
The main speeches were pronounced by Professor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, president of the Higher Education Commission of Punjab and former vice-chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Dr. Muhammad Arshad.
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The other eminent speakers were the Islamic scientist Mufti Syed Adeel, the environmentalist of Dr. Mahoror Fatima, the renowned veterinary expert, Dr. Zahid Mehmood, the animal rights lawyer Uzma Qureshi, and the representative of farmers Chaudhry Naeem.
The speakers have highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of animal welfare, arguing for human treatment, ethical agricultural practices and the need to integrate animal compassion into national values.
The declaration of the conference expressed a deep concern concerning the overtaken laws of animal welfare in Pakistan and underlined the urgent need for reforms in housing, agriculture and animal slaughter practices. He also noted a significant lack of training among farmers and slaughterhouses.
Participants unanimously affirmed that kindness towards animals is not only a moral obligation but a religious duty, reinforcing that, under article 14 of the constitution of Pakistan, the State is responsible for maintaining dignity, including that of animals.
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Group discussions have addressed a range of critical issues, including legislative reform, improving nutrition and housing for animals, slaughter methods in accordance with sharia, protection of native flora and pollinators such as bees and practical education of farmers.
Speaking on occasion, the president of Parag, Ayeza Haider, stressed that the summit marks a transformative step towards the reshaping of public consciousness. “It is time that we go beyond the consideration of animals only as products.
