PESHAWAR: The auction of four international markhor trophy hunting permits, administered by the wildlife department, has generated a record $1.211 million (Rs335.725 million).
This represents the highest-ever revenue generated through a trophy hunting programme in Pakistan’s history, according to a statement issued here on Friday.
The wildlife department conducted a historic auction of four international markhor trophy hunting permits for various Village Conservation Committees in Chitral and Kohistan.
The permits auctioned included Toshi-I, Chitral, at $320,600; Toshi-II, Chitral, at $335,600; Gahirat Gol, Chitral, at $260,000; and Kigah Khwar, Kohistan, at $295,600.
The four permits collectively generated $1,211,800, equivalent to approximately Rs335.725 million, marking a historic record for the trophy hunting programme in Pakistan.
Spokesman for the climate change, forestry and wildlife department Latifur Rehman said that only a limited number of permits were issued under the trophy hunting programme for the hunting of mature and old male markhor.
He said the fundamental objectives of the programme were to support wildlife conservation, ensure sustainable management of natural populations, and enable local communities to benefit economically from conservation.
Mr Rehman said it was more than an auction; it was a success story of a conservation philosophy: when forests are protected, wildlife thrives; when wildlife thrives, communities prosper, and when communities prosper through conservation, the future of nature becomes more secure, he said.
He said that the government was taking effective and result-oriented measures to conserve wildlife, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and make local communities meaningful partners in the protection of nature.
The spokesman said that 80pc of the revenue generated through trophy hunting would be directly allocated to the welfare and development of the concerned local communities, while the remaining 20pc would be deposited into the government treasury.
He said that the communities living in the mountains, valleys and remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had maintained a close relationship with nature for generations.
Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026
