Sindh opposes Centre’s decision to relocate seized exotic monkeys

KARACHI: The Sindh Wildlife Department on Tuesday opposed the proposed relocation of illegally imported exotic monkeys, capuchins and marmosets, from Karachi to Lahore, urging the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) to reconsider the recommendation issued on May 8, and to instead adhere to due legal process and scientific standards.

The animals were seized by the Pakistan Customs at the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, in December 2024 after being brought in from South Africa through forged documents in violation of national and international wildlife laws. Following the seizure, the 26 animals were shifted on an emergency basis to a private animal welfare facility, the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation, in Karachi. During this time the deputy conservator of wildlife, MoCC, issued directions for the monkeys to be relocated to Lahore. However, the matter remains sub judice before the competent Customs court in Karachi, and any action in violation of legal oversight can undermine the integrity of the ongoing proceedings. In April, taking cognisance of the issue, the Sindh chief secretary had held a virtual meeting with representatives of the MoCC, the Customs, the wildlife department, WWF-Pakistan and other stakeholders. Following that, a technical committee was constituted by the MoCC secretary to assess the situation and propose recommendations grounded in legality, science and animal welfare.

The joint report submitted by the wildlife department and WWF-Pakistan (Karachi) concluded that relocating the animals to Lahore would not only be harmful to their health and welfare but would also defy sound scientific reasoning and established legal frameworks. Despite this, the MoCC through its May 8 letter recommended the transfer to Lahore without consulting the notified committee or reviewing its findings at the agreed forum.

The wildlife department in its formal communication expressed serious concerns that such unilateral decisions made without collective review can be considered contrary to merit and existing statutory obligations under both federal and provincial wildlife protection laws. It also noted with concern that no intimation of this recommendation was provided to the honourable trial court where the relevant case is under consideration. The department emphasised that all wildlife located in Sindh, regardless of origin, enjoys full legal protection under Section 21 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act, 2020. Furthermore, Rule 43 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Rules, 2022, clearly stipulates that in cases where wildlife is intercepted without proper documentation, it is the legal responsibility of the relevant airline, shipping or transport company to ensure lawful carriage, and the wildlife officer must advise deportation or lawful disposal as per the rule. On scientific grounds, the department opposed the transfer of these highly sensitive tropical primates to a facility that lacks adequate species-specific care.