LAHORE – November 7, 2025: Shopkeepers at Lahore’s historic Bhati Bird Market, located near Data Darbar, have strongly criticised the Punjab government for demolishing the entire market as part of the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) Bhati Chowk remodeling project, alleging that the operation caused millions in losses and resulted in the deaths of several birds and animals.
Speaking to Dawn on Thursday, traders expressed outrage over what they described as a “sudden and ruthless” demolition. “The government has really destroyed all of us economically. I can simply say it has killed us,” lamented one shopkeeper.
Last night, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) did something no one with a heart could ever justify. They demolished the bird and pet market in Lahore — and with it, buried thousands of innocent lives alive.
If the market was built illegally, demolish it — but move the tiny… pic.twitter.com/ynMP8BoKY6
— Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation – TAWF (@tawf_uk) November 6, 2025
He claimed that LDA teams, accompanied by heavy machinery, began demolishing around 152 shops early on Wednesday morning without prior notice. “They didn’t even care for the innocent birds and animals that were trapped under the rubble,” he said, adding that several rare and expensive birds were lost.
At 4 a.m Lahore Develop Authority (LDA) demolished the pet and bird market without warning. Thousands of innocent cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, were buried alive under the rubble. Shopkeepers begged them to spare the animals. But the bulldozers continued to kill all in their path💔 pic.twitter.com/rgu8GZdIyz
— TWS (@tws_pk2) November 6, 2025
Another trader said the shopkeepers had been in regular contact with LDA officials and the deputy commissioner’s office through their representatives. “We were assured that compensation would be finalised before any demolition took place,” he said. “But the authorities struck without warning, not even giving us enough time to move our stock safely.”
However, an LDA spokesperson rejected the traders’ claims, stating that the structures were built illegally on 16 kanals of state land earmarked for the remodeling project aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion and reducing pollution in the area.
“There are no reports of birds killed during the operation, as the shopkeepers had already removed their stock and belongings beforehand,” the spokesperson maintained. “If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they are welcome to present it.”
You May Also Like: FBR Extends Deadline for Manual Tax Return Filers Until November 30
Traders have urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice of what they described as a “high-handed and inhumane” operation and to direct authorities to compensate the affected shopkeepers for their financial losses.
The Bhati Bird Market, one of Lahore’s oldest, was a hub for bird enthusiasts and pet traders, housing dozens of small vendors dealing in parrots, pigeons, and other exotic species.
Check out our latest video:
