“You are Almost Perfect”: Ushna Shah’s Plea for Animal Rights in Punjab

In a bold move that has resonated across social media, actor and activist Ushna Shah penned an open letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in late February. While the letter began with praise for the CM’s governance, it quickly transitioned into a searing critique of the province’s handling of animal welfare, or the lack thereof.

The Backhanded Compliment

“You are almost perfect,” served as a strategic hook. Shah acknowledged the visible improvements in Punjab since the Chief Minister took office, noting progress in women’s safety, urban cleanliness, and public order. However, the “almost” carried the weight of a neglected crisis. Shah argued that for a government striving for perfection, the “deafening silence” on animal cruelty remains a glaring stain on its record.

The Viral Trigger

The impetus for the letter was a series of horrifying videos that circulated in mid-February, including a particularly graphic clip of a dog tied to a vehicle and dragged along a main road in Punjab. Shah pointed out that while the CM’s supporters highlight her administrative wins, the public perception is increasingly shaped by these unchecked acts of violence.

“Whether fair or unfair, this is the perception forming,” Shah wrote, noting that when cruelty happens without visible deterrence, the leadership is held responsible.

A Catalogue of Cruelty

Shah’s letter wasn’t just an emotional outburst; it was a call for systemic reform. She highlighted several recurring issues that have plagued the province.

The actor proposed a series of actionable steps, urging the government to move away from “performative” measures and toward sustainable change. Her suggestions included:

• Province-wide Spay and Neuter Programs: Ending the practice of mass culling/poisoning of strays.
• Strict Enforcement: Making animal cruelty laws meaningful with actual arrests and fines.
• Sanctuary Transitions: Turning aging zoos into modern sanctuaries.
• Banning Wild Pets: A crackdown on the private ownership of exotic and wild animals.

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The Moral High Ground

Invoking the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding kindness to all living beings, Shah’s appeal, shared during the early days of Ramadan, framed animal welfare as a moral and religious obligation.

As the letter circulated in late February, it sparked a wider debate about the “hierarchy of suffering.” While some critics argued that human issues should take precedence, a growing number of citizens joined Shah in her sentiment: a “Great Punjab” must be a haven for all its inhabitants, not just the human ones.

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