An American hunter has legally hunted a rare Kashmiri Markhor in Chitral under the strict supervision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department officials. The hunt was carried out after the hunter obtained a government-approved trophy hunting permit by paying a record amount of $270,000, which is around Rs7.56 crore.
The Markhor, which is Pakistan’s national animal, is known for its impressive spiral horns measuring about 52 inches. According to officials, the animal was shot from a distance of 510 metres. The identity of the hunter has not been made public.
Wildlife authorities stated that the hunt was conducted in full accordance with Pakistan’s trophy hunting laws and conservation guidelines. They explained that this program is designed to protect endangered species while also benefiting local communities. Under the policy, 80 percent of the permit fee will be used for community welfare and development projects in the area, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The remaining amount will be allocated to wildlife conservation and protection efforts.
Officials added that controlled trophy hunting helps regulate animal populations and provides financial incentives for local communities to protect wildlife and their natural habitats. As a result, residents are more likely to support conservation rather than illegal hunting.
The event has drawn international attention and highlights Pakistan’s conservation-based trophy hunting program, which aims to balance environmental protection with economic benefits for remote regions.
Disclaimer: This information is based on available reports. The background image is for reference only.
