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LAHORE, Jan 18 (APP):Pakistan’s first ‘Animal and Environmental Rights International Conference’ (PIAERC 2025) opened at a local hotel here on Saturday.
The conference brought together over 115 global and local experts to discuss transformative strategies for advancing animal welfare and environmental protection in the country. Organised by Advocate Altamush Saeed’s law firm, Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants (EARC) Pakistan, in collaboration with Humane Society International, Thrive Philanthropy and ProVeg International, the event aims to catalyse change and inspire global collaborations.
The opening ceremony began with a keynote address by Justice Ayesha A. Malik of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. She emphasised the need for strong 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. This conference marked a critical step toward building a more compassionate and sustainable Pakistan.” She stressed upon the need to take emergent steps with an aim to ensure safety of the animals. Justice Malik said that animals have right to the clean water and safe environment.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in impactful discussions and panel sessions.
A panel on Environmental Footprint and Food Systems featuring experts like Dr. Hope Ferdowsian (Phoenix Zones Initiative), Barrister Muhammad Ahmad Pansota, Musa Aamir and Saniya Ali – Rizq Foundation, examined the environmental impact of food production and the need for sustainable practices. They also discussed the impact of the wastage in the food systems.
Panel on Global Animal Ethics and Welfare comprising speakers such as Dr. Clair Linzey (Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics); Shalin Gala – Vice-President Animals in Experimentation PETA; Elissa Lane CEO Global Food Partners; Wasseem Emam Founder Ethical Seafood Research; and Hira Jaleel – Animal Law Professor Lewis and Clark Law School USA Animal Law LLM Pakistan, explored ethical considerations in animal welfare, experimentation, and global best practices.
Panel on Wild Animal Rights in Pakistan moderated by Altamush Saeed, highlighted conservation challenges and the importance of protecting Pakistan’s wildlife. It featured keynotes by Rina Saeed Khan Chairperson Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB); Dr. Amir Khalil – Veterinarian FOUR PAWS International and Hamera Aisha from WWF Pakistan.
The panel on Animals in Disaster moderated by Ahmad Malik from Lead PIAERC & Founder & CEO Charity Doings Foundation, featured discourses by Kelly Donithan Global Director of Disaster Response Humane Society International Dr. Stephen Glassey Animal Evac New Zealand; Lt. General (R) Omar Hayat, Former Chairman NDMA, Chairman Board of Trustees Pakistan Humanitarian Forum; and Adam Parascandola – Disaster Response Humane Society International.
Another panel on Judicial and Legal Anthropology of Animal Rights comprising speakers Asad Manzoor Butt, President Lahore High Court Bar Association; Nancy Makuvise – Animal Rights Lawyer Zimbabwe and Lewis and Clark Animal Law LLM; Abuzar Khan Niazi advocate in Sanita Gulzar v Govt of Punjab LHC case; Ahmad Shoaib Atta – Lawyer Partner EARC; Altamush Saeed renowned lawyer discussed various aspects of the legal framework.
The day concluded with a closing keynote address by the Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court. His address focused on the judicial and legal anthropology of animal rights in Pakistan, with reference to landmark cases like the 2022 PLD (Lahore) 445 decision. He stressed, “Judicial activism must align with public advocacy to ensure that animal rights are integrated into our legal framework and societal consciousness.”
This conference, scheduled to run until 19 January, provides a unique platform for experts, policymakers, and advocates to align global standards with local practices. The event also features exhibition stalls and film screenings documenting animal rights advocacy success stories.