Pakistan’s election authorities have imposed a ban on the display of lions and donkeys at public rallies and political gatherings, a move hailed by animal rights activists.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked political parties to ensure that animals are not exhibited at their rallies and gatherings, Quratulain Faitma, a spokesperson for the commission said on Wednesday.
The directive was issued in line with a decision of the Islamabad High Court which was ruled in May.
The ruling stated that exhibiting animals such as lions, donkeys in public rallies or assemblies amounts to subjecting them to unnecessary pain and suffering, which is an offence.
“It is cruel to use these majestic animals in this way,” said Rina Saeed Khan, an animal rights’ activist and the head of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).
“These innocent animals have suffered needlessly as they are usually drugged at these rallies to keep them calm amid all the noise and lights,” she said.
Last week, the party of former premier Nawaz Sharif held a rally in a north-western province.
His son-in-law arrived with the party’s symbol of a live tiger but was denied entry.
In 2013, an exotic white tiger died while it was being exhibited at the rallies of Sharif’s party due to extreme conditions.
Tigers and lions are often paraded at political rallies as symbols of strength and authority, while donkeys and dogs are often exhibited to ridicule the opponents.