⚖️ Wildlife Law & Prohibited Species Policy

Last updated: September 2026

1. Why This Matters

Bird trading in Pakistan is not a free-for-all — it is regulated by provincial wildlife departments under laws such as the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Act, and equivalent rules in Islamabad Capital Territory and other provinces/territories. Trapping, keeping, breeding, or selling many native wild bird species is banned or requires a specific license. Punjab in particular has introduced stricter enforcement and has been cracking down on unlicensed bird markets.

2. Species You May NOT List

Unless you hold a valid provincial license or CITES permit for that specific species (and can produce it on request), do not list:

• Any wild-caught (non-captive-bred) native bird, including wild-trapped parakeets, mynas, and finches.
• Birds of prey and owls of any kind (falcons, hawks, eagles, kites, owls) — these are protected nationwide.
• Native partridges and quail commonly known as "teetar" and "batair" species that are wild-caught rather than farm-raised.
• Cranes, storks, herons, and migratory waterfowl protected under Pakistan's Ramsar/wildlife obligations.
• Any species listed under CITES Appendix I/II, or in your province's Wildlife Act protected-species schedules.

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive — provincial schedules change and vary by region. If you are unsure whether a species is restricted, contact your provincial wildlife department (see Section 6) before listing it. When in doubt, do not post it.

3. What IS Generally Allowed

Common captive-bred domestic and aviary birds — such as farm-raised aseel and other domestic fowl, racing/fancy pigeon breeds, budgerigars, cockatiels, and other well-established captive-bred aviary species — are generally tradable. Sellers of breeds that require a dealer/breeder license in their province must hold that license and provide it if requested.

4. Licensing & Registration

• Bird dealers and breeders are required to hold a license or registration in several provinces before trading commercially.
• Islamabad Capital Territory has introduced pet bird registration requirements for certain species.
• Requirements differ by province and change over time — sellers are responsible for checking and complying with the rules that apply to them.

5. Your Responsibility as a Seller

By posting a listing on PakBirds, you confirm that:

• The bird is not a protected or wild-caught species prohibited under applicable wildlife law.
• You hold any license, permit, or registration required to trade this bird in your province.
• You will provide proof of legal ownership/licensing if requested by PakBirds or the relevant authorities.

Violating this policy will result in immediate listing removal and may lead to account suspension or a permanent ban, and we may share reported details with the relevant wildlife department where required by law.

6. Get Verified as a Licensed Dealer

Licensed dealers and breeders can upload their wildlife/breeder license during store setup to receive a "Verified Dealer" badge, which builds buyer trust and appears on your store and listings.

7. Report a Suspicious Listing

Every listing has a "🚩 Report this listing" option. If you believe an ad involves a protected or illegally-traded species, please report it immediately — our team reviews reports and removes violating listings promptly.

8. Confirm the Rules for Your Province

Wildlife law is provincial and can change. Before listing a species you are unsure about, confirm current rules with your local wildlife department, for example:

• Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department
• Sindh Wildlife Department
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department
• Islamabad Wildlife Management Board
• Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department

9. Disclaimer

This page is a general guide, not legal advice, and does not replace the official Wildlife Act schedules or advice from a qualified lawyer or your provincial wildlife department. Laws and protected-species lists change — always verify current requirements directly with the relevant authority before trading a species you are unsure about.