LAHORE: The Punjab Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries has launched a province-wide crackdown against illegal fishing, with enforcement teams conducting raids along rivers in several districts and seizing illegal fishing nets, fish and other equipment.
The operations are being carried out under the zero-tolerance policy of Punjab Secretary Aquaculture and Fisheries Rana Muhammad Saleem Afzal and on the directions of Director Fisheries Punjab Dr Muhammad Abid.
According to the department, enforcement teams have conducted raids based on surveillance and intelligence reports, while legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in illegal fishing activities.
In Kasur, the Assistant Director Fisheries team conducted a night raid downstream of Head Balloki on the River Ravi and seized four nylon fishing nets.
A Divisional Raid Party in Bahawalpur conducted an operation along the River Sutlej in areas of Bahawalpur and Khairpur tehsils and seized three illegal fishing nets.
In Mianwali, the Assistant Director Fisheries team acted on a tip-off at Mari Station in Kala Bagh, where a group was allegedly attempting to transport illegally caught fish to Multan by train under cover of darkness. The team intervened as the train was preparing to depart, arrested the suspects and seized the illegally caught fish and fishing nets. Legal proceedings have been initiated.
In Sahiwal, the Assistant Director Fisheries, along with field staff, inspected fishing activities along the River Ravi near Meern Shah and Dad Baloch. The team seized a fishing net, a mobile phone and a tube during the operation.
The Fisheries Department said enforcement operations would continue without discrimination to protect aquatic life and curb illegal fishing across Punjab.
Illegal and unregulated fishing can put pressure on fish populations, disturb aquatic ecosystems and affect the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources. Strong enforcement, alongside responsible fishing practices and community awareness, can help protect river biodiversity and support sustainable fisheries.
The department said action would continue against violations of fisheries laws as part of efforts to safeguard Punjab’s aquatic resources.
