Historic Success: Wildlife Department Auctions 39 Permits, Introduces Grey Goral Hunting
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) wildlife department has announced a historic success in its 2025-26 trophy hunting season, generating a record $1,913,842 (Rs542.7 million) by auctioning 39 permits for markhor, ibex, and grey goral. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Wildlife, Pir Musavir Khan, highlighted that exportable markhor permits fetched $946,000, while non-exportable permits for markhor, ibex, and the newly introduced grey goral contributed significantly to the record revenue. This marks the first time grey goral permits were offered, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and local community development.
Khan emphasized that the funds generated from the trophy hunting program will be reinvested into wildlife protection, biodiversity promotion, and the socio-economic uplift of local communities. He also revealed that a “rewilding programme” is underway to restore rare species such as blackbuck, chinkara, and urial in the province, with plans for a future “green hunt program” to support wildlife research and conservation. Wildlife Secretary Shahid Zaman affirmed that the initiative ensures both natural resource conservation and the welfare of local communities, with further measures planned for wildlife promotion.
New Initiatives Boost Wildlife Conservation and Kalash Community Development in KPK
In a separate but related development, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Al-Khidmat Foundation Chitral and the Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA). This MoU aims to foster joint cooperation for the welfare and development of the Kalash community residing in the valleys of Bumburate, Birir, and Rumbur in Lower Chitral. The agreement covers key areas such as education, skill development, welfare projects, and the preservation of Kalash cultural heritage, with both organizations terming it a vital step towards empowering women, equipping youth with modern skills, and keeping the unique Kalash culture alive.
