Lion roams free in Karachi, bringing Pakistan's problematic wild pet culture back in focus

The recent sighting of a lion on the loose causing a massive traffic jam on Karachi's prime road, Sharea Faisal must have caught the attention of many of us.

The absconding lion, which was later tamed and captured, has once again brought to light a concerning problem of Pakistan's culture (mostly among the elites) - the petting and flaunting of wild and exotic animals.

This incident was not a surprising one for most Karachites, given that there have been multiple instances in the past where individuals have been seen not only harbouring the big creatures but also parading them at festivals and pet clinics, all while claiming that the animals are "happy" and "trained".

The first thought that comes to mind here is: but don't wild animals belong in the wild?

ALSO READ: Berlin sees a big-cat frenzy as lioness roams free, searches on

What about the laws?

• Pakistan's existing laws regarding the import and possession of exotic animals are insufficient and outdated.
• While there are procedures for importing wild animals, there are no clear regulations governing how these animals should be kept, their enclosures, their diet, or their general well-being.
• This legal vacuum allows individuals in the kothis of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad to keep these animals without proper oversight.
• Summaiya Zaidi, an animal welfare activist and lawyer, highlighting the need for updated legislation, told The Express Tribune, "Sindh does have a specific law which regulates the import of exotic species, but it is up to each province to come up with their own legislation in light of international guidelines."

• The current framework is not only insufficient but also easy to dodge.
• With a nominal sum of PKR 10,000, one can acquire a wildlife license in the megacity of Karachi, making it "legal" to keep wild animals as pets.
• Inefficient laws and poor implementation and overview, thus, provide little recourse for those concerned about the welfare of these animals as well as the humans living around them.

Conditions of living

• Most of these exotic animals kept as pets by the Pakistani elite suffer under hostile conditions.
• Many big cats have had their claws removed, making it nearly impossible for them to be released into the wild (if ever rescued).
• Reports have emerged often of them paraded around at events and charged fees for selfies, all while they endure stress and discomfort.

• The sight of businessman Humzah Hussain and his Masai lion Simba driving around Karachi is very common.
• Many of these animals had been smuggled out of their natural habitats from African jungles, which has resulted in several health complications and premature deaths in several cases.

Breeders in Pakistan claim to contribute to conservation efforts as if they're doing a good deed, but their primary motivation seems to be profit rather than the well-being of these creatures.

But why pet them?

• Owning exotic animals, notably big cats like lions and tigers is a status symbol in Pakistan, driven by a lack of awareness about their needs.
• Fuelled by weak wildlife protection laws and their implementation, some exploit these animals for profit for entertainment too.
• Cultural traditions also play a role in some communities, while limited entertainment options drive interest in exotic pets.

ALSO READ: Kyle Jenner brings a lion head to Paris

There have been multiple voices in multiple instances to address the issue before it worsens. The culture of keeping wild and exotic animals as pets not only endangers these creatures but also poses risks to public safety, as evident from the recent lion incident in Karachi.