Unjust distribution of trophy hunting shares questioned

CHITRAL: Representatives from eight Village Conservation Committees (VCCs) under the Toshi Shasha Conservancy on Wednesday accused the Wildlife Department officials of ignoring the genuine community members in distribution funds generated through trophy hunting.

Speaking at a press conference, they demanded the immediate transfer of the District Forest Officer (DFO) Wildlife Division, Chitral. They accused the DFO of colluding with MPA Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir to unlawfully establish a VCC in Bokhtoli village. According to the speakers, this illegal VCC was granted lucrative trophy hunting rights, depriving other communities of their rightful share of the revenue.

The speakers, including Sher Afzal Khan, Amanullah Khan, Muhammad Usman, Wazir Khan, Abdul Jameel, Saddam Hussain, Muhammad Anwar, Penin Shah, Qayyum Khan and Waqar Ahmad, stated that the matter had already been reported to the Chief Conservator of Wildlife, but no action had been taken.