Chitral, Oct 11, 2025: The Chief Conservator of Wildlife, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has declared that Balach Shotar in Chitral will remain completely off-limits for hunting during the 2025 and 2026 hunting seasons.
The notification issued in this regard classifies Balach Shotar as a prohibited area for all hunting activities. Authorities will take strict legal action against any hunters they catch in the area under the Wildlife and Biodiversity Act 2015.
This decision follows earlier steps by the district administration of Lower and Upper Chitral, which banned the construction of ponds along rivers used for duck hunting.
Hunting enthusiasts opposed that earlier ban, highlighting the ongoing tension between local hunting traditions and wildlife conservation efforts.
The Wildlife Department urged all hunters and the public to cooperate fully with authorities and follow these regulations strictly.
It may be recalled that the most of the area along the river in Balach is a private property owned by Mehtar Fatehul Mulk and in 2012 he had banned duck hunting in the area.
Officials stress that these measures play a crucial role in protecting and preserving the region’s valuable wildlife and in maintaining ecological balance.