Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared financial assistance of Rs500,000 for each of the three individuals injured in a recent lion attack in Lahore.

The incident occurred in Johar Town when a lion, kept illegally at a private farmhouse in the Shah Di Khoi area, jumped over a wall and attacked passersby, injuring a woman and two children. The children are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

In response to the attack, CM Maryam Nawaz ordered the provincial government to provide immediate financial support to the victims.

Following the incident, the Punjab Wildlife Department initiated a province-wide operation to combat the illegal ownership of dangerous wild animals.

Authorities confiscated 18 lions from various cities and arrested five individuals during the crackdown. Five First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed, and investigations were launched in two additional cases.

The largest operation occurred on July 5 in Lahore, led by Punjab Wildlife Director General Mubeen Elahi, targeting a private breeding facility on Bedian Road. This operation resulted in the seizure of five lions three males and two females.

Altogether, nine lions were confiscated in Lahore, four individuals were arrested, one private enclosure was sealed, and three FIRs were registered.

In a significant policy shift, the Punjab government has announced plans to regulate the ownership of big cats, including the sterilization of privately owned lions, tigers, and leopards. A phased ban on the commercial buying and selling of these animals will also be implemented.

In an interview with Express News, DG Mubeen Elahi noted that this is the first structured policy aimed at controlling private ownership of big cats in Punjab.

Owners were given until May 2 to declare their animals, and so far, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have submitted declarations, with verification processes currently underway. As of now, 40 facilities have been successfully verified.