Pakistan’s First International Animal and Environmental Rights Conference 2025
LAHORE: Pakistan made history with the inaugural International Animal and Environmental Rights Conference (PIAERC 2025), held at a local hotel in Lahore. Co-organized by Charity Doings Foundation Pakistan, the nation’s first vegan organization, and Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants (EARC) Pakistan, the first dedicated animal and environmental law firm in the country, the conference aimed to address critical issues related to animal welfare and environmental protection.
The event brought together over 115 global and local experts, policymakers, and advocates to align international best practices with Pakistan’s unique challenges. Supported by organizations like Humane Society International, ProVeg International, and Thrive Philanthropy, the two-day conference served as a platform for transformative discussions and actionable strategies.
The opening ceremony began with a keynote address by Justice Ayesha A. Malik of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, who emphasized the importance of judicial frameworks to uphold animal and environmental rights. She stated, “A society’s progress is measured not only by how it treats its people but also by how it safeguards its animals and environment.”
Several insightful panels followed:
- Environmental Footprint and Food Systems: Experts like Dr. Hope Ferdowsian and Barrister Muhammad Ahmad Pansota discussed the environmental impact of food production and the need for sustainable practices.
- Global Animal Ethics and Welfare: The panel explored ethical considerations in animal welfare and experimentation, featuring prominent speakers like Dr. Clair Linzey (Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics) and Shalin Gala (PETA).
- Wild Animal Rights in Pakistan: Moderated by Altamush Saeed, the session highlighted wildlife conservation challenges with contributions from Rina Saeed Khan (Chairperson, IWMB) and Dr. Amir Khalil (FOUR PAWS International).
- Animals in Disaster: Discussions led by Kelly Donithan (Humane Society International) and Lt. Gen. (R) Omar Hayat focused on strategies for protecting animals during disasters.
- Judicial and Legal Anthropology of Animal Rights: Legal experts like Asad Manzoor Butt and Altamush Saeed examined Pakistan’s legal frameworks and judicial activism in animal rights cases.
The day concluded with a keynote address by Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court, who stressed the need for public advocacy and judicial action to integrate animal rights into Pakistan’s legal framework.
Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court opened the second day, expressing concern over the neglect of animal rights in Pakistan. He reflected on key rulings of the Islamabad High Court and highlighted cases demonstrating animals’ emotional capacity and the need for compassionate policies. Prominent actress and activist Faryal Gohar also addressed the audience, applauding the growing awareness of animal rights and lauding the efforts of Altamush Saeed for his advocacy. She urged collective support for such initiatives.
Panels continued with discussions on:
- Legal reforms for animal rights in Pakistan.
- The ethical and environmental implications of industrial practices.
- Case studies showcasing global successes in animal welfare.
The event also featured exhibitions and film screenings documenting advocacy success stories. The conference closed with a vision for the future, calling for stronger collaborations and policy reforms to protect animals and the environment. The event marked a pivotal step towards creating a more compassionate and sustainable Pakistan.
