The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has achieved unprecedented success during the current trophy hunting season, generating a record-breaking revenue of US$1,913,842, approximately Rs. 542.7 million, the highest in its history.
According to official figures, the revenue includes US$946,000 from four exportable Markhor permits, USD 553,300 from nine non-exportable Markhor permits, USD 16,042 from 20 non-exportable Ibex permits, and USD 398,500 from six non-exportable Gra Gra permits. Notably, this is the first time that Grey Gorilla permits have been introduced, significantly increasing the overall revenue.
The non-exportable trophy hunting programs for Markhor, Ibex and Grey Goral were launched at the direction of Secretary for Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Shahid Zaman and were formally approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Board.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Pir Masroor Ghazi, said that the government is committed to expanding the scope of the department and introducing new initiatives in line with modern conservation needs.
Chief Conservator of Wildlife KP, Dr Mohsin Farooq, described this year’s trophy hunting program as a historic one, noting both record earnings and the first issuance of Grey Goral permits. “This program not only sets a record in terms of revenue but also reflects our commitment to wildlife conservation while supporting local communities,” he said.
Dr. Farooq also revealed new initiatives, including a green hunt program for research purposes and a rewilding program aimed at reintroducing key species such as blackbuck, chinkara, Eurasian, and pheasant into their natural habitats. He added that community-based hunting initiatives could also be introduced in the future to involve local people in conservation and development. Officials stressed that the proceeds would be reinvested in wildlife conservation, biodiversity promotion, and socio-economic development of local communities, making the trophy hunting program a sustainable model that balances conservation with community well-being.
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