The controversy surrounding the demolition of the Bhatti bird market in Lahore stems from the clash between the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) anti-encroachment drive and the shopkeepers’ allegations of animal cruelty and lack of notice.
The historic Bhatti bird market in Lahore was demolished by the government during an anti-encroachment drive.
پرندہ مارکیٹ ملبے کا ڈھیر بن گئی!سینکڑوں پرندے اور جانور ملبے کے نیچے دب گئے،
دکانداروں کا دعویٰ،انتظامیہ نے سامان اور پرندے نکالنے کا بھی موقع نہیں دیا۔ متاثرین#Lahore #BirdMarket #BreakingNews #ExpressNews #AnimalRights #PakistanNews #TradersProtest #LahoreUpdates pic.twitter.com/ghvFy91X3v— Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) November 6, 2025
There have been reports of harm to many animals and significant loss for the traders.
According to the reports, they were not given adequate time to evacuate the animals and their goods, despite ongoing talks about compensation.
But the government claims that shopkeepers were aware of the operation and had been served multiple notices beforehand.
Reports suggest hundreds of birds and other pets (cats, rabbits, and puppies) were buried under the debris by heavy machinery during the pre-dawn operation.
سب دی ماں آگئی ، پرندوں کا قبرستان بناگئی
برڈ مارکیٹ کا راتوں رات صفایا ، لوگ برس پڑے
#Bradmarket #birds #pakistan #punjab #lahore #SUNONEWSHD pic.twitter.com/kbHOoFa9m8— SUNO NEWS HD (@suno_newshd) November 8, 2025
Traders also criticize the government for causing an economic disaster and immense loss of life on the “pretext” of a remodeling project.
States the shops were built unlawfully on 16-kanal state land needed for the Bhatti Chowk remodeling project, which aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
The incident sparked significant public outrage on social media, with netizens and activists terming the action “cruel” and “inhumane.”
Animal rescue organizations and celebrities strongly condemned the authorities for the alleged disregard for animal life, demanding accountability for those responsible.
They never asked to be born on the streets. 💔
All they’ve ever needed is care, safety, and kindness — not cruelty.
Let’s stand up for compassion and coexistence. 🐾#SaveTheStrays #JusticeForAnimals #NotAwaraYehHamarahttps://t.co/TIiGvcsuTZ pic.twitter.com/2kDbjohcbk— Tapish Damley (@Tapishdamley26) November 7, 2025
The traders have urged the Chief Minister of Punjab to intervene, provide compensation for their millions of rupees in losses, and take action against the officials involved
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