The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has generated a record Rs335.69 million by auctioning four markhor trophy hunting permits, highlighting the financial value of its wildlife conservation programme.
The permits attracted a combined bid of $1.2118 million. Officials allocated them to village conservation committees in Chitral and Kohistan, where local communities are expected to benefit from the revenue.
Chitral Permit Receives Highest Bid
The Toshi Two permit in Chitral secured the highest bid at $335,600, equivalent to approximately Rs92.97 million. Meanwhile, the Toshi One permit fetched $320,600, while the Gahiret Gol permit attracted a bid of $260,000. The Kaigah Khwar permit sold for $295,600.
The auction took place under the supervision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Conservator of Wildlife Dr Mohsin Farooqi. The highest bid exceeded last year’s top offer of $272,000, setting a new provincial record.
Local Communities to Receive Most Revenue
Under the programme’s revenue-sharing arrangement, 80 percent of the proceeds will go to local communities. These funds support community development and wildlife conservation in the areas where the permits were issued. The remaining 20 percent will go to the provincial government treasury.
This arrangement aims to give residents a direct financial incentive to protect markhor populations and their natural habitats. Community involvement also helps support conservation efforts in remote mountainous areas.
Trophy Hunting Supports Conservation
Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, faces habitat pressures and other threats to its survival. The trophy hunting programme allows a limited number of permits under regulated conditions.
Revenue from these auctions can support local livelihoods while helping fund conservation activities. However, effective wildlife monitoring and enforcement remain important to protect the species for future generations.
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