LAHORE:
Six lions trapped at a farmhouse near the Ravi along Multan Road in Lahore were rescued in a joint operation by the Wildlife Rangers and the Wildlife Rescue Force.
The high-risk mission, supervised by Wildlife Secretary Mudassir Riaz, was carried out amid heavy rainfall and strong water currents.
Officials said four boats and a team of veterinary doctors were deployed to ensure the safe evacuation of the animals.
The lions were shifted to a secure facility for medical check-ups.
Authorities confirmed that their health is being monitored.
“This was an extremely challenging and sensitive rescue,” a spokesperson said, adding that the operation not only saved the animals but also prevented potential threats to human lives.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb praised the efforts of the rescue teams, stressing that the protection of wildlife remains a top priority of the Punjab government.
“No living creature will be left abandoned in times of crisis,” she said.
Meanwhile, officials reported that seven deer stranded in flood-hit areas were also rescued and relocated to safer places as part of ongoing operations.
In a related development, rising floodwaters of the Sutlej River reached the Ganda Singh border in Kasur, forcing the suspension of the traditional evening flag-lowering ceremony jointly conducted by Pakistan Rangers Punjab and India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
The ceremony, normally held daily at the Ganda Singh Wala border in Pakistan’s Kasur district and the Hussainiwala border in India’s Ferozepur district, has been temporarily halted for safety reasons.
Officials said the suspension will remain in place until floodwaters recede.
Parts of Kasur district on the Pakistani side and low-lying areas of Ferozepur on the Indian side have been inundated.
Authorities on both sides have agreed to suspend the daily parade until the situation normalizes.
