The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has generated Rs335.69 million through the auction of four Markhor trophy hunting permits, setting a new record for the province’s wildlife conservation programme.
The auction raised a total of $1.2118 million from permits allocated to Village Conservation Committees in Chitral and Kohistan. The process was conducted under the supervision of Chief Conservator of Wildlife KP, Dr. Mohsin Farooqi.
Toshi Two Permit Gets Highest Bid
The Toshi Two permit in Chitral received the highest bid of $335,600, equivalent to approximately Rs92.96 million.
The other three permits also attracted significant bids. Toshi One was sold for $320,600, while Gahirat Gole received a bid of $260,000. The Kaigah Khwar permit was auctioned for $295,600.
Together, the four permits generated approximately Rs335.69 million. The results highlight the financial value of the province’s regulated trophy hunting programme.
Auction Surpasses Previous Record
The latest auction has surpassed last year’s highest bid of $272,000 for a Markhor trophy hunting permit, which was equivalent to around Rs75.35 million.
This year’s top bid of $335,600 for Toshi Two reflects an increase in the value of the permits. The programme operates in designated conservation areas and involves local communities through Village Conservation Committees.
How the Revenue Will Be Shared
Under the existing revenue-sharing arrangement, 80 per cent of the auction proceeds will go to local communities and wildlife conservation, while the remaining 20 per cent will be deposited into the government treasury.
The community share is intended to support local welfare projects and conservation activities. The arrangement links revenue from trophy hunting permits with community development and wildlife protection.
The latest results highlight the potential of regulated trophy hunting to generate funds for conservation. However, the programme’s long-term benefits depend on transparent revenue distribution, effective wildlife management and continued protection of Markhor populations across the province.
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