Rs240m distributed for Markhor conservation

CHITRAL: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Wildlife Pir Musavir Khan has said efforts by Chitral’s local communities in conserving the Markhor species have helped increase the population of the mountain goats to over 6,000.

He was speaking at a ceremony in Chitral organized by the Wildlife Department, where cheques worth Rs240 million were distributed among Village Conservation Committees (VCCs).

The amount represents 80% of revenue from the Markhor and Ibex trophy hunting program.

The event was attended by MPA Fatehul Mulk Ali Nasir, Chief Conservator Safdar Ali Shah, officials, and locals.

Pir Musavir reaffirmed the government’s support for community-led conservation and urged residents to continue their efforts in protecting wildlife while benefiting from development initiatives.