The Sindh government has directed authorities to address illegal encroachments at Karachi’s Saddar Bird Market, a bustling Sunday hub for pet trading.
In a February meeting, Chief Secretary Sindh ordered agencies to shut down the market’s operations within 15 days. However, shopkeepers reopened hours after a brief closure, sparking a debate about enforcement, livelihoods, and local concerns. This ongoing conflict highlights the challenge of balancing regulation with community needs.
Five days after the Chief Secretary’s order, officials tried to close the market’s 40 bird and animal shops. After negotiations with shopkeepers’ leader Badshah Khan, the shops resumed business by noon. Khan told Pakistan’s Express Tribune that they agreed to keep animals inside shops and avoid spilling onto streets, addressing the main complaint of illegal encroachment.
In Saddar, Karachi, Pakistan’s largest bird market buzzes with activity, showcasing rare and exotic birds worth millions. 🦜🐦
Nukta's Senior Producer, Wasi Qureshi, takes you on an exclusive journey.
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— Nukta Pakistan (@NuktaPakistan) January 1, 2025Every Sunday, Saddar Bird Market draws crowds from across Karachi. Sellers offer birds, dogs, cats, and rabbits while buyers negotiate prices. For many, like shopkeeper Abdul Rehman, who’s been in the trade for a decade, it’s a vital income source. Rehman explained, “This is a Sunday Bazaar for pets. We run small nurseries at home to support our families.” The market sustains low-income households, making its regulation a sensitive issue.
Saddar Bird Market Shopkeepers’ Defense
Despite the shops being legal and holding permits from the authorities, residents are voicing their concerns officially. They recall a broken promise from years ago when the authorities failed to provide an alternative site after removing the shops from Empress Market. The shopkeepers think they would consider moving if offered a new location, but they are wary due to past unfulfilled commitments.
Javed Mehar, Chief Conservator of the Wildlife Department, outlined the rules for pet trading. Sellers need a Wildlife Department license and must meet animal care standards. Residents should also not object to the shops’ presence. These regulations aim to balance trade with welfare and community harmony.
Area Magistrate Rana Sufyan oversees the market and noted that encroachments and crowds are the core issues. “We’ve been monitoring since last Sunday and will follow any new orders,” he said. Yet, the quick reopening suggests enforcement hurdles, as shopkeepers hold firm to their livelihood.
