Punjab Forest and Fisheries Minister Ahmed Ali Aulakh told the Punjab Assembly on Thursday that no proposal was under consideration for establishing a new zoo.
Answering questions raised by the members regarding forest, fisheries and wildlife departments, during the question-hour session in the Punjab Assembly, he said Lahore Zoo was one of the city’s oldest holiday spots and had a unique importance among people of all ages. “People not only visit the zoo from Lahore but also from other cities of the province in large numbers,” he added.
He said department had acquired seven-kanals of land at the Jinnah Bagh for the establishment of an aquarium and but not for a new zoo. The minister stated that in view of the decrease in the number of wild animals and birds, the department had reduced the duration of hunting hours. However, he said on Sunday there will be complete permission for hunting.
Replying to a question, Aulakh expressed his ignorance about illegal hunting in south Punjab, Okara, Narowal and Sialkot.
He told another member, Ali Haider Noor Niazi, that the government had chalked out a comprehensive programme to enhance fish production in the province. “An incentive package is being offered to private fish farmers which will help increase the fish production, enabling the government to sell fish in other provinces.”
