PML-N warns workers against bringing real lions to public rallies

• Nawaz Sharif had instructed against bringing lion to rallies.
• Bukhari says local leadership might not’ve received orders.
• She says PML-N has taken notice of incident in Faisalabad

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Uzma Bukhari Sunday warned the party activists and election candidates of strict disciplinary action against bringing a real lion — the party’s electoral symbol — in rallies or at public places.

Her comments came after a video, featuring a big cat in a cage placed on a mini truck patrolling the streets of Faisalabad, went viral on the internet, triggering large-scale criticism by netizens in general and animal rights activists in particular.

The incident took place in the PP-107 constituency where PML-N candidate Khalid Pervez, in violation of the party directions, showcased the lion during the rally.

Last week, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif took notice of bringing a real lion to the party’s election rally in NA-130 and directed to send the animal back immediately.

He had also directed the party workers not to bring the big cat or any other animals to any rally of the PML-N.

Talking to Geo News, PML-N’s Bukhari admitted that the lion should not have been brought to the public rally. Responding to a question, the PML-N leader said that the party’s local leadership might not have received the directives of the three-time former prime minister.

Bukhari said that the party has taken notice of the incident, adding that Nawaz’s instructions in this regard would formally be circulated on the party level to avoid such incidents in the future.

Animal rights activist Aniza Khan Umarzai was of the view that the lion is a predator and the animal’s behaviour is unpredictable. 

She, talking to Geo News, said that the big cat could not be showcased publicly under the Local Government Public Safety Act.

The animal welfare activist said that the big cat should not be brought to public places under any circumstances.

She criticised the local governments for not taking action over such incidents.

Umarzai said: “I do not know how local governments issue NOC for showcasing wild animals in public gatherings.”

“The lion is a wild animal and it can attack you anytime. The attack can be fatal,” she said, adding that the trend should be discouraged.

Umarzai underscored the need for proper implementation of acts related to animals’ rights such as wildlife and safety acts.