Markhor Hunting Permits Bring $1.9M Revenue to KP At What Cost?

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Wildlife Department has set a new record in revenue generation by auctioning 39 trophy hunting permits for Markhor, Ibex, and—for the first time—the Grey Coral. The auction generated over $1.9 million (Rs540 million), sparking both celebration and controversy.

Record-Breaking Revenue From Trophy Hunting

According to officials, the season’s auction brought in $1,913,842, the highest amount ever earned by the provincial government through hunting permits. The majority of bidders were international trophy hunters, many from Europe and North America, who have long shown interest in Pakistan’s prized mountain species.

The introduction of the Grey Coral permit further boosted revenues, adding a new species to the regulated hunting program alongside the already popular Markhor—Pakistan’s national animal—and the Himalayan Ibex.

Pir Musawar Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Wildlife, hailed the development as a milestone:

“The funds collected will directly support wildlife preservation, habitat restoration, and community uplift programs. Trophy hunting is not just about revenue; it is also about conservation and sustainable development.”

For the first time, the Grey Coral has been included in KP’s trophy hunting program. Wildlife authorities say this expansion was carefully studied to ensure it does not disrupt ecological balance.

By diversifying the hunting program, officials aim to attract more international hunters and maximize foreign exchange earnings, while claiming the system ensures that animal populations remain stable.

In addition to trophy hunting, the KP Wildlife Department has issued guidelines for controlled hunting of Russian doves in select areas.

• Licensed hunters may hunt only on weekends until October 31.

• A Rs25 fee per bird has been fixed.

• Hunters are limited to eight doves each, with fines of Rs5,000 per excess bird.

The department has also imposed a complete ban on hunting across 57 water bodies—including rivers, lakes, ponds, and barrages—until December. The decision aims to protect migratory birds and aquatic ecosystems.

To regulate hunting practices, the department announced new restrictions:

• The use of electronic devices or call birds to attract prey is now strictly prohibited.

• Licensed hunters may take a maximum of five waterfowl per day.

• Fees include Rs1,500 annually for a duck-hunting dog and Rs500 per day for using a specialized duck-hunting firearm.

Officials warn that violators will face heavy penalties, including confiscation of hunting equipment and cancellation of permits.

KP officials stress that trophy hunting revenues are shared with local communities, particularly those living near Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kohistan—regions home to the Markhor and Ibex.

Funds are reportedly used for:

• Schools and healthcare facilities in remote villages.

• Infrastructure projects such as roads and water supply.

• Livelihood support programs for farmers and herders.

Pir Musawar Khan argued that without such financial incentives, locals may revert to poaching or habitat destruction, endangering the species.

Pakistan’s trophy hunting programs are internationally recognized, with Markhor hunting permits often auctioned for over $100,000 each. Wealthy hunters consider the Markhor—famed for its twisted horns—a prestige trophy.

This year, bidding wars for both Markhor and Ibex permits reached record levels, reflecting growing demand despite global criticism of trophy hunting.

As KP celebrates record-breaking revenues, the debate over trophy hunting continues to intensify. The challenge lies in balancing conservation goals with ethical concerns.

While some argue that “killing for conservation” is a contradiction, others view it as a pragmatic solution in regions where government funding for wildlife preservation is limited.

The auction of hunting permits worth nearly $1.9 million highlights both the economic potential and ethical dilemmas of Pakistan’s trophy hunting programs.

As KP expands its hunting portfolio with the Grey Coral, questions persist: Can conservation truly coexist with commercial hunting, or is this revenue being achieved at the expense of Pakistan’s natural heritage?