A Sindh Wildlife Department investigation has uncovered a disturbing case of animal cruelty after officials found smugglers had stitched the eyes of migratory pelicans shut with needle and thread to stop them from resisting during transport.
Wildlife officials intercepted 16 pelicans during a raid on a vehicle travelling from Dadu to Karachi. They immediately rescued the birds and arrested the suspects.
Authorities later produced the accused before a court and opened a formal investigation.
During questioning, investigators discovered that the suspects had sewn the birds’ eyelids shut to keep them calm throughout the journey.
Officials also found that the smugglers had hidden the pelicans beneath goats to avoid detection at checkpoints.
Veterinarians transferred the rescued birds to a rehabilitation centre. They carefully removed the stitches, examined each pelican and started treatment.
The birds also received a fish-based recovery diet.
Wildlife officials said the pelicans responded well to treatment. Their health improved steadily during rehabilitation.
The case has raised fresh concerns about illegal wildlife trafficking in Pakistan. Conservationists say migratory birds remain frequent targets because of illegal hunting and smuggling.
Court Clears Birds for Release After Treatment
The investigating officer told the court that prolonged captivity during the current heat could threaten the pelicans’ survival.
He requested permission to release the birds once veterinarians completed their treatment.
The court approved the request under the Sindh Wildlife Rules 2022.
It directed the department to release the pelicans after veterinarians confirmed they were healthy enough to survive in the wild.
The court also ordered the accused to pay all expenses related to the birds’ treatment, rehabilitation and care.
Pakistan lies along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory bird routes.
Every year, thousands of pelicans, cranes, ducks, flamingos and other migratory birds arrive in Sindh’s wetlands, lakes and coastal areas.
Wildlife experts say illegal trapping and smuggling continue to threaten these species despite existing conservation laws.
Wildlife Department Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Operations
The Sindh Wildlife Department has expanded enforcement operations against wildlife trafficking in recent years.
Officials regularly conduct raids, rescue protected species and prosecute wildlife smugglers under provincial laws.
Conservationists welcomed the successful rescue and rehabilitation of the pelicans. They stressed that quick treatment and timely release improve survival rates for migratory birds.
The latest case has shocked wildlife advocates across Pakistan. Many described the alleged stitching of the birds’ eyes as one of the most disturbing acts of cruelty seen in recent years.
Officials will continue monitoring the pelicans until veterinarians declare them fully fit. The department will then release the birds into their natural habitat in line with the court’s order.
