A two-judge bench dismissed the petition, stating that the raid fell “within the four corners of law.” The court emphasised that wildlife trade, including birds, requires explicit permission, and any unauthorised activity is illegal.

In a landmark ruling that underscores the growing battle against illegal wildlife trade in Pakistan, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has upheld a raid by the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) on the Saddar birds market, affirming that trading birds and animals without proper permits constitutes a criminal offense. The decision comes at a time when Pakistan is increasingly recognised as a major hub for wildlife trafficking, with endangered species like turtles, snakes, and exotic birds being smuggled for profit.

Conservationists say that this case highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws to curb a multimillion-dollar underground industry that threatens biodiversity across the country.

Court Affirms Legality of Wildlife Raid and Seizures

On January 14, 2026, SWD officials conducted a sweeping operation at the Saddar birds market in Karachi, seizing numerous birds, animals, cages, and cash while sealing over 50 shops. The shopkeepers, who petitioned the SHC to challenge the raid, claimed they had operated their businesses for 12 to 15 years without interference. However, during the hearing, they failed to produce any valid permits under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act, 2020.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Saleem Jessar and Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro, dismissed the petition, stating that the raid fell “within the four corners of law.” The court emphasised that wildlife trade, including birds, requires explicit permission, and any unauthorised activity is illegal. The bench further directed the SWD to maintain the seized protected species – mostly of foreign origin – in safe conditions, prioritizing their welfare. While an earlier January 19 order allowing de-sealing of shops remains in effect, the court strictly prohibited resuming illicit trade. Shopkeepers were advised to apply for permits, which would be reviewed legally.

This ruling not only validates the SWD’s actions but also sends a strong message to traders. The Deputy Conservator of Wildlife in Karachi reported that the confiscated birds included protected species, exacerbating concerns over habitat loss and poaching.

Pakistan’s Escalating Role in Global Wildlife Trafficking

Pakistan’s wildlife trade extends far beyond local markets, positioning the country as a key transit and source point in the global illegal wildlife trade (IWT), valued at billions annually. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Pakistan), the nation is targeted for poaching and smuggling due to weak regulatory frameworks and enforcement gaps. Endangered species such as snow leopards, pangolins, turtles, and reptiles are frequently trafficked, with an estimated eight snow leopards poached yearly in Pakistan alone.

The underground market thrives on demand for exotic pets, traditional medicines, and status symbols. In Karachi, a major hub, smugglers deal in African lions, macaws, and snakes, often under the guise of legal trade. Social media exacerbates the issue, with platforms like Facebook showcasing wildlife crimes – illegal hunting being the most common, followed by trade and fear-driven killings. Reptiles are often killed out of fear, while birds and mammals suffer from hunting and trafficking. A study analysing Pakistani social media posts from 2016 to 2021 revealed that tortured animals garner more reactions, sometimes even supportive comments, highlighting societal attitudes that fuel the trade.

Pangolins, for instance, are vanishing due to poaching for scales and meat destined for China, with sharp declines reported by WWF. In the Chagai Desert, illegal reptilian trade involves 10-15 organized groups based in Karachi, blending legal and illicit activities. DNA barcoding has proven crucial in detecting smuggling, as seen in a CITES case where turtle meat was mislabelled as fish. These examples illustrate how porous borders and lax enforcement enable a network that endangers biodiversity and violates international conventions like CITES, to which Pakistan is a signatory.

Bird Trade in Sindh: A Hotspot for Poaching and Smuggling

In Sindh province, the bird trade is particularly rampant, with Karachi’s markets like Saddar serving as epicentres for illegal dealings. Migratory birds, including bar-headed geese from Siberia, are poached en-masse during winter, despite being protected. Recent operations in Punjab recovered 44 such geese from smugglers, underscoring the cross-provincial nature of the trade, where hunting and smuggling are non-bailable offenses under updated wildlife acts.

Parrots, especially the Alexandrine species, are disappearing from Sindh’s skies due to habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal trade. Once common in plains and cities, their populations are now confined to northeastern Punjab, southern Sindh, and border areas. Poachers target them for the pet trade, with chicks fetched from nests and sold openly. In response, Punjab introduced a registration policy for parrot keepers, mandating rings and fees to curb illegal sales, though implementation in Sindh lags.

Houbara bustards, another migratory species, face elite threats: Despite provincial bans, permits are issued to Arab royals for falconry hunts in Sindh and Balochistan, violating wildlife laws and drawing international criticism. In 2020, authorities foiled a falcon smuggling attempt in Karachi, valuing the birds at over $1 million. Social media videos and raids reveal birds crammed in cages, sold as haram (forbidden) meat or pets, challenging agencies like the Sindh Wildlife Department.

Experts urge enhanced forensics, like wildlife CSI training, to boost prosecutions. WWF-Pakistan advocates gender-inclusive approaches to dismantle illegal wildlife trade chains. While the Sindh High Court’s directive to curb illicit trade is a step forward, conservationists stress community education and stricter monitoring of markets and borders. They say that without these steps, Pakistan risks losing its rich avian diversity, from parrots to migratory geese, to greed and negligence.