The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Department has proposed a Rs300 million project to protect and improve the declining yak population in Upper Chitral.
The initiative will run for three years under the Annual Development Programme 2026–2029. Moreover, officials describe it as Pakistan’s first comprehensive programme dedicated to yak conservation, scientific breeding, and productivity enhancement.
Pakistan is home to fewer than 2,000 yaks
According to officials, Pakistan has only 1,923 yaks, based on the 7th Agricultural Census 2024.
This makes the yak one of the country’s rarest livestock species. Furthermore, it remains among the most threatened animals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Yaks are found almost entirely in the remote valleys of Upper Chitral. They are naturally adapted to the harsh, high-altitude environments of the Hindukush, Himalayas, and Tibetan Plateau, where many other livestock species struggle to survive.
Yaks play a vital role in mountain communities
For centuries, yaks have supported the livelihoods of communities living above 3,000 metres.
They provide milk, meat, butter, cheese, wool, and transportation. In addition, they hold significant cultural and traditional value for indigenous communities in Upper Chitral.
Consequently, protecting the species is closely linked to preserving local heritage and sustaining rural livelihoods.
Several factors threaten the yak population
Officials say the yak population has declined because of multiple challenges.
Climate change has affected alpine ecosystems. Meanwhile, the degradation of mountain pastures has reduced suitable grazing areas.
In addition, indiscriminate crossbreeding, the absence of organised breeding programmes, limited veterinary services, and the lack of scientific conservation efforts have accelerated the species’ decline.
Research centre to support conservation and breeding
As part of the project, the department will establish a dedicated Yak Research and Conservation Centre in Upper Chitral.
The facility will maintain a nucleus herd of 50 purebred yaks, including 40 females and 10 males.
Officials say the centre will help preserve indigenous genetics while supporting scientific breeding and long-term conservation efforts.
Modern facilities planned under the project
The initiative also includes the construction of modern animal housing, laboratories, farmer facilitation centres, and research infrastructure.
These facilities will support work related to scientific breeding, animal health, nutrition, and productivity improvement.
At the same time, local livestock keepers will receive training in improved yak husbandry, breeding techniques, and herd management.
Project also aims to strengthen local economy
The programme will promote value addition for yak-based products, including milk, cheese, butter, meat, wool, and traditional handicrafts.
Furthermore, officials plan to encourage ecotourism and cultural tourism through Yak Festivals and public awareness activities.
The project forms part of the “Green Tourism” pillar of the Livestock Roadmap 2031.
According to officials, the initiative connects livestock conservation with biodiversity protection, sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and rural economic development.
Long-term goals focus on conservation and livelihoods
The department expects the project to conserve Pakistan’s endangered yak population while encouraging sustainable yak farming in mountain regions.
Officials also aim to increase milk and meat production, create employment opportunities, strengthen local economies, improve food security, and generate scientific data for future breeding and conservation policies.
Through these measures, the project seeks to protect one of Pakistan’s rarest livestock species while supporting communities that depend on it.
