Pakistan recently witnessed a significant milestone with the conclusion of its very first International Conference on Animal and Environmental Rights, held in Lahore on January 18-19, 2025. The event was a huge success, and it brought together passionate individuals from various walks of life to discuss the urgent need for animal protection and environmental preservation.
Justice Athar Minallah, a respected judge from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, was one of the key figures at the conference. In his speech, he praised the organizers for addressing such a crucial issue, which he believes touches the hearts of every Pakistani. Justice Minallah admitted that as a judge, he typically does not attend public events, but the subject of this conference was so important that he felt compelled to speak on it.
He also commended Altamush Saeed, an award-winning lawyer specializing in Interspecies Justice, and Ahmad Malik, CEO of the Charity Doings Foundation, for their efforts to raise awareness about animal rights and environmental challenges. Both individuals have played a vital role in the creation of this conference, bringing attention to issues that many people might otherwise overlook.
The conference attracted a large crowd, including university students, animal lovers, and members of civil society. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with both national and international animal rights experts. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the rights of farm animals to the protection of wild animals. Legal experts, economists, and animal welfare activists were also part of the panel, providing diverse perspectives on how to improve the treatment of animals in Pakistan and beyond.
One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the keynote speech delivered by Justice Minallah, in which he highlighted Pakistan’s environmental struggles. He pointed out that the increasing temperatures and melting glaciers are partly due to human interference in the natural habitats of animals. He stressed the importance of preserving these habitats, as doing so would help maintain a stable ecosystem and protect forests.
A significant portion of the conference also focused on the story of Kavaan, the “world’s loneliest elephant.” Kavaan was kept in poor conditions at Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo until a group of animal welfare activists, including Justice Minallah, took action to relocate him to a sanctuary in Cambodia. Justice Minallah shared his personal experience of how the Islamabad High Court took steps to protect Kavaan and ensure that he was moved to a better place, with the help of the international animal welfare group, Four Paws.
Justice Minallah’s efforts, along with those of Dr. Amir Khalil from Four Paws, were celebrated during the event. Dr. Khalil was awarded for his dedication to animal welfare, particularly his work with Kavaan. Justice Minallah also presented a “Champion Award” to Dr. Khalil, asking him to convey it to Kavaan as a token of appreciation for his efforts in rescuing the elephant.
This conference was not only an important event for animal rights activists but also a landmark moment for Pakistan’s legal community. Justice Minallah’s landmark ruling on the legal rights of animals has set a precedent for future cases involving animal welfare. His ruling emphasized that animals should not be treated as property but as living beings with rights. This ruling has resonated internationally and is now frequently cited in discussions about animal rights around the world.
The International Conference on Animal and Environmental Rights in Lahore marked a crucial step in the fight for animal welfare in Pakistan. It raised awareness, inspired future action, and provided a platform for discussions that could lead to positive changes for both animals and the environment in the country. The conference has set a powerful example, showing that when people come together, they can make a meaningful impact on important issues like animal rights and environmental preservation.
