Ushna Shah Urges Maryam Nawaz to Take Stronger Action Against Animal Cruelty in Punjab

Pakistani actor Ushna Shah has taken a bold stand against animal cruelty in Punjab, directly appealing to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to step up enforcement of animal welfare laws. Using her Instagram platform, Shah’s heartfelt message highlighted both progress in the province and ongoing concerns over the mistreatment of animals.

In her open letter, Shah acknowledged visible improvements in Punjab, from women’s safety to public cleanliness. “You are almost perfect,” she wrote, praising the government’s efforts. But she quickly pointed out a glaring gap the province’s ongoing silence in the face of widespread animal abuse.

Shah referenced a viral video that shocked many Pakistanis: a dog tied to a moving vehicle on a main road, allegedly in Punjab. Public outrage was swift, with critics pointing fingers at the government for failing to prevent such cruelty. “People wrote that Maryam Nawaz is killing animals. Whether fair or unfair, this is the perception forming,” Shah said, emphasizing the repeated nature of such incidents without visible consequences.

Her concerns go beyond individual viral cases. Shah highlighted organised dog fights, beatings of donkeys, injuries to animals during anti-encroachment operations, and violent treatment in markets. Despite laws against dog fighting and culling, enforcement remains inconsistent. Recent arrests of dozens involved in dog fighting events show only reactive measures, rather than long-term solutions.

Shah proposed practical solutions to tackle animal cruelty in Punjab, including province-wide spay and neuter programs, strict enforcement of existing laws, humane treatment of donkey carts, banning private ownership of wild animals, and converting zoos into animal sanctuaries. Framing her message in ethical and religious terms, she reminded the CM that animals are “Allah ki makhlooq” and urged kindness during Ramazan.

Her call is clear: while Punjab has laws on the books, enforcement is weak, cruelty persists, and leadership must recognize the “voiceless” as part of their responsibility. Whether the chief minister responds publicly remains to be seen, but Shah’s message reflects growing public concern over the normalisation of animal suffering.