LAHORE: Supreme Court Judge Justice Athar Minallah has expressed concern over the lack of attention paid to animal rights in the country.

Speaking at the first-ever International Animal and Environmental Rights Conference held here at a hotel on Sunday, Justice Minallah emphasised the importance of addressing this neglected issue, alongside fundamental human rights.

He highlighted the Islamabad High Court’s rulings on various matters, including enforced disappearances, prisoners’ rights, and fundamental freedoms.

He mentioned a petition related to a zoo and recounted how animals, such as elephants, also have emotions and feelings similar to humans.

Sharing a historical perspective, Justice Minallah recalled how a three-year-old elephant calf was brought from Sri Lanka to Pakistan on the orders of late dictator Gen Zia-ul-Haq, who sought the animal for his daughter.

The baby elephant, he said, was initially kept in a backyard, and was later moved to a zoo in Islamabad.

Justice Minallah, speaking about the cases of enforced disappearances, said he could empathise with those losing a loved one, drawing parallels between their pain and the distress endured by the animals in captivity.

Prominent actress and social activist Faryal Gohar also addressed the conference, lauding the growing awareness of animal rights in Pakistan.

She commended young lawyer Altamush Saeed for his efforts to advocate for animal welfare and called for collective support for such initiatives.

Other speakers at the event included Imrana Tawana, Advocate Usama Malik, and Altamush Saeed, the conference organiser, alongside several international delegates who also shared their views on animal and environmental rights.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2025