PESHAWAR, Sept 25, 2025: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued six fresh permits for the trophy hunting of markhor, and hunters placed record-breaking bids in this year’s auctions in Chitral.
Hunters drove the highest bid of the season in Lower Chitral’s Toshi-I conservancy, where a permit sold for Rs 69.7 million. They purchased the Toshi-II permit for Rs 68.9 million, while another bidder secured a permit in the buffer zone of Toshi Gol National Park in Chitral Gol Conservancy for Rs 68.3 million.
These bids far surpassed last year’s record in Gahiret Conservancy, where hunters had paid Rs 52.8 million. Hunters shifted their focus this year from Gahiret to Chitral Gol, turning the latter into the season’s top attraction.
Buyers also placed strong bids for non-exportable trophy hunting permits. A hunter acquired the Klenj Shasha permit for Rs 31.1 million, another secured the Singor Dok permit in Chitral Conservancy for Rs 34 million, and one more purchased Rumbur’s permit for Rs 22.1 million.
Wildlife officials confirmed that the program channels 80 percent of trophy hunting revenue into local community welfare projects and wildlife conservation efforts. This model links conservation with community development while also generating significant foreign exchange.
Foreign hunters dominated the auction for exportable permits, and international regulations allow them to take horns and hides back to their home countries. Their growing participation has steadily driven up prices, and this year Chitral established itself as the premier trophy hunting destination in Pakistan.
The auction results highlight the markhor’s global appeal and reinforce Chitral’s central role in combining conservation, community welfare, and regulated hunting.
