Entertainment

Lahore Safari Zoo to auction a dozen lions

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

LAHORE: To free up space for pride that won’t stop growing, a zoo in Pakistan is auctioning off a dozen lions to private collectors next week.

Lahore Safari Zoo now has so many big cats that their lions and tigers have to take in turns accessing the paddocks, said Tanvir Ahmed Janjua, the zoo’s deputy director.

“Not only will we free up more space here, but our expenses for meat to feed them will also decrease,” he told AFP.

The zoo is currently home to 29 lions, and officials plan an auction on August 11 to sell 12 of them, aged between two and five years old.

There are also six resident tigers and two jaguars.

Conservationists are opposed to the sale, with the environmental group WWF saying the creatures should be moved to other established zoos, or breeding females sterilised or given contraceptives.

In this picture taken on August 3, 2022, visitors look at lions at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

“Animal exchanges and donations between zoos are a widely accepted practice,” the organisation’s Uzma Khan told AFP.

“Once an institution such as a zoo places a price tag on a wildlife species it is promoting trade — which is counterproductive to conservation,” she added.

Keeping lions, tigers and other exotic wildlife as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan and is seen as a status symbol.

Wealthy owners post images and video clips of their big cats on social media and rent them out as props for movies and photoshoots.

In this picture taken on August 3, 2022, lions are seen at their enclosure at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

Zoo officials have set a reserve of 150,000 Pakistan rupees ($700) per cat, but hope each will fetch around two million rupees.

Not just anyone can take part in the auction, however.

Janjua said buyers will have to be registered with provincial authorities and show they have the means to provide proper care and shelter for the creatures.

Zoo veterinary officer Muhammad Rizwan Khan told AFP an initial attempt last year to auction lions fell through as potential buyers lacked the necessary documentation or licences.

Nouman Hassan, who fell foul of authorities in the past when he was filmed walking his pet tiger on a leash in Lahore, plans to take part.

In this picture taken on August 5, 2022, a lion rests in a jungle at the Lahore Safari Zoo in Lahore. — AFP

“I will try to buy two to three lions for sure,” he told AFP, adding the auction was a good way to diversify the gene pool for private collectors who already owned a big cat.

With little legislation to safeguard animal welfare, zoos across Pakistan are notorious for their poor facilities, but the Lahore Safari Zoo is considered one of the best, set over 200 acres.

In April 2020 a court ordered the only zoo in the country’s capital to shut down after poor facilities and mistreatment of the animals there were revealed.

The facility had drawn international condemnation for its treatment of an Asian elephant named Kaavan, who was later airlifted to retirement in Cambodia in a jumbo project spearheaded by US popstar and actress Cher.

Veterinarian Khan said the animals at Lahore Safari Zoo were being given the best possible care — something reflected in their fecundity.

“They are experiencing a good life in captivity with us,” he said.

Entertainment

UAE grants Aiman Khan a Golden Visa

Published

14 hours ago

Farwa

The actress Aiman Khan has notified her fans and followers that the United Arab Emirates has granted her a Golden Visa.

Renowned for her dramatic roles in plays like “Ghar Titli Ka Par,” “Meri Beti,” and “Ishq Tamasha,” Aiman Khan has been spotted putting more emphasis on her personal life with her spouse, fellow actress Muneeb Butt, and moving away from the entertainment industry recently.

Instagram users saw Aiman Khan post a photo of herself receiving the Golden Visa from UAE officials.

The actress was shown gratitude in the caption for the extraordinary hospitality and kind welcome she received from the Dubai government.

Aiman Khan is shown in the accompanying photo, probably when applying for a visa, looking smart in black among representatives from the United Arab Emirates.

Fascinatingly, Aiman Khan’s spouse, Muneeb Butt, previously uploaded a comparable Instagram picture revealing his triumphant Golden Visa acquisition.

Often taking his wife, Aiman Khan, along, Muneeb Butt travels to Dubai for business and pleasure. Even after their daughter Amal was born, the well-known couple continued to observe this habit.

Furthermore, Miral, their second daughter, made her first vacation outside of Pakistan when they recently took her to Dubai.

“Dubai holds a special place in my heart, from memorable vacations to productive work trips,” Muneeb Butt complimented in the description.

Entertainment

Actress Madiha Rizvi from Pakistan marries again

Published

15 hours ago

Farwa

Famous Pakistani television actress Madiha Rizvi, who gained recognition for her striking roles in classic dramas including “Piya Naam Ka Diya,” “Kahin Deep Jaley,” and “Mere Meherbaan,” is reentering marriage.

Rizvi recently said that she is getting married again. She is the daughter of the renowned actress and television personality, Deeba Begum.

With Hassan Nauman, with whom she shares two cherished daughters, she had previously announced her divorce in November 2022. Now, Rizvi’s most recent declaration marks the start of a fresh chapter full of optimism and happiness.

In a moving ceremony that honoured love and resiliency, the actress celebrated her marriage with her loved ones, including her daughters.

Sharing intimate moments from her wedding, Rizvi beautifully captured the spirit of close family relationships and camaraderie. Grateful for the love and support she has received, the gorgeous bride accepted the prayers and well-wishes from her friends, admirers, and colleagues in the industry.

Those who were moved by the wedding, which was filled with tender moments, expressed their gratitude and well wishes for the actress on social media.

Entertainment

The actor Ali Mallah of “Ishq Murshid” talks about life’s challenges.

Published

4 weeks ago

Farwa

After a successful stint in the smash hit Ishq Murshid, Sindhi musician Ali Gul Mallah, who has been in the industry for thirty years, has suddenly become the talk of the town.

He at last received the credit he earned and rose to fame across the country.

He discussed his experiences with financial hardships in Mazaq Raat, as well as how being an orphan exacerbated his suffering.

world,” saidHe said he had only one sister and that his mother had passed away while he was a small child. “When a person’s mother goes, he is just like an orphan in the world,” the father of the speaker remarried.

He also talked candidly about how his success caused everyone to behave differently.

According to him, those who once ridiculed and criticized him, asking whether he was attempting to become Shah Rukh Khan, are now more amiable and appreciate his efforts.

Ali Jan, the son of Ali Gul Mallah, appeared on the show alongside his father and expressed their immense happiness and pride at their father’s accomplishments.