Rs310m distributed to GB communities from trophy hunting programme

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government distributed cheques worth Rs310 million on Wednesday among various local communities under the 2024-25 trophy hunting programme.

The income, generated from the regulated hunting of wildlife species including the prized markhor, is shared with communities to encourage conservation and sustainable economic development. Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Secretary GB Abrar Ahmed Mirza congratulated the communities for their active role in conservation efforts. He stressed that public participation was key to the success of any conservation programme, adding that it must be promoted as an economic model for future generations. “In societies where awareness is cultivated, success is inevitable. Every individual must play their role in safeguarding natural resources,” he said. Secretary Forests, Wildlife and Parks Abdul Waheed Shah said trophy hunting had become a dignified source of livelihood for locals and a means of promoting Pakistan’s peaceful image through the markhor. “A single markhor can fetch up to $200,000, underscoring the biodiversity value of this region,” he noted.

Earlier, Chief Conservator Dr Zakir Hussain gave a detailed presentation, revealing that GB has so far transferred over Rs4 billion to communities from trophy hunting revenues. Of the total income, 80 per cent goes to the communities and 20 per cent to the government, while in national parks, 75 per cent of entry fee earnings are shared with locals. Officials said the region currently has seven national parks, three of which are under development. The role of locals in protecting forests, preventing illegal hunting, and collaborating in wildlife conservation was also lauded.