Peshawar, March 8, 2026: The Peshawar High Court has set aside an inquiry initiated by the Anti-Corruption Establishment against Village Conservation Committees in Chitral.
The court ruled that the action amounted to a misuse of authority and constituted unwarranted interference in the lawful functioning of the committees.
A detailed 12-page judgment authored by Justice Fahim Wali allowed the petitions filed by several conservation committees from Chitral. In its ruling, the court observed that the anti-corruption proceedings represented an abuse of official powers and amounted to unjustified intervention in the operational affairs of the community-based conservation bodies.
The court noted that under the trophy hunting programme for species such as Markhor, 80 percent of the revenue generated was legally allocated to the local community.
According to the judgment, any attempt to prevent the community from utilising these funds directly undermines the objectives of wildlife conservation initiatives and weakens the incentive structure designed to encourage community participation in protecting endangered species.
Referring to official records, the judgment stated that the Chief Conservator Wildlife had also affirmed in his report that the local community was fully entitled to 80 percent of the proceeds generated through the trophy hunting programme. The court added that these funds were intended to support community welfare and development initiatives, thereby strengthening the partnership between local populations and conservation authorities.
The court highlighted the positive impact of community-based conservation efforts in the region. It observed that, owing to the cooperation, vigilance and sustained efforts of local residents, the population of the Markhor had increased dramatically—from approximately 267 animals to nearly 2,500—demonstrating the significant role played by community stewardship in wildlife preservation.
Clarifying the legal position, the ruling held that local communities were entitled not only to the interest accrued on these funds but to the entire share allocated to them, including the principal amount, for development and welfare purposes. The court stressed that restricting access to the principal funds contradicted the spirit and framework of the trophy hunting programme.
The petitions submitted before the court argued that under the established policy governing trophy hunting, Village Conservation Committees were entitled to receive and utilise 80 percent of the revenue generated from Markhor trophy hunting permits. Despite this policy, the had initiated an inquiry and issued directions limiting the committees to withdrawing only the interest accrued on the funds, while prohibiting access to the principal amount.
Petitioners further contended that a government notification clearly stipulates that 80 percent of the revenue generated from Markhor trophy hunting must be utilised for the welfare and development of local communities. Nevertheless, the ACE proceeded to initiate multiple cases against the committees and effectively prevented them from utilising the funds allocated for community development projects.
They maintained that whenever the committees attempted to spend the allocated money on infrastructure, welfare initiatives, or other community development activities, legal cases were initiated against them, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and hindering the effective implementation of conservation-linked development programmes.
The court was also informed that local residents make significant sacrifices to sustain wildlife habitats in the region. In many cases, villagers deliberately leave portions of their farmland uncultivated in order to preserve natural habitats and ensure safe grazing areas for wildlife.
During the winter months, Markhor descend from the high mountains to lower areas where they often feed on crops cultivated by local farmers. Despite the resulting losses, residents tolerate this seasonal damage, as the revenue generated through trophy hunting programmes serves as a vital and often primary source of income for many households in the area.
Related:
MPA asked to return funds diverted to ‘fake’ VCC.