Lion Escapes Karachi Traffic, Causes Panic: Owner Detained
An adult lion managed to escape from a private vehicle in the bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan, causing panic among residents and commuters stuck in heavy traffic. The incident unfolded during peak traffic hours, creating a two-hour frenzy before the lion was safely recaptured.
According to local authorities, the lion was being transported by its owner when it made a daring escape onto the main road. Wildlife Inspector Mukhtyar Soomro expressed relief, stating, Our teams responded swiftly, and praise be to Allah, the lion is now with us safely, and no one is in danger.
After roaming on the road for some time, the escaped lion eventually sought refuge in the basement of a nearby building. The scene quickly attracted attention, with media vehicles rushing to cover the incident and curious crowds gathering in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the wild animal.
Keeping lions in residential areas is prohibited in Pakistan, leading to the swift intervention of wildlife authorities. The lion was promptly taken to a designated compound, and the owner, held responsible for the incident, was detained. Senior Superintendent of Police Shiraz Nazir confirmed that a case would be registered against the owner.
Interestingly, keeping exotic animals as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan, particularly among wealthy businessmen who sometimes operate private zoos and even showcase the animals in public. In fact, back in 2017, a man was arrested for taking his pet lion for a nighttime drive through Karachi’s streets.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with visuals of the escaped lion going viral. While some users expressed alarm, others found humor in the situation.
In conclusion, the escapade of the lion in Karachi caused a stir and disrupted the city’s traffic for a few hours. The incident highlights the need for stricter regulations on keeping wild animals as pets and emphasizes the potential risks involved. With the lion now safely returned to its compound and the owner facing legal consequences, normalcy has been restored to the streets of Karachi.
