Gilgit-Baltistan to Auction 118 Trophy Hunting Permits for 2025–26 Season
GILGIT – The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Wildlife and Parks Department will auction 118 hunting permits for the 2025–26 season, including four Astore markhors, 100 Himalayan ibex, and 14 blue sheep. The bidding ceremony is set for Wednesday at the Forest, Parks, and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit.
Permit Prices Increased
For this season, the base price for an Astore markhor permit has risen to $200,000, while blue sheep and Himalayan ibex permits are priced at $30,000 and $10,000, respectively. Last year, base prices were lower: $150,000 for markhor, $9,000 for blue sheep, and $5,500 for ibex.
In 2024–25, only 60 of 118 permits were sold, with the highest markhor bid reaching $161,000, earning the GB government over Rs30 million.
Local Industry Concerns
Outfitters and tour operators warn that the sharp price hikes could hurt their businesses and discourage international hunters. Ikram Beg, a Gilgit-based outfitter, described participation as declining due to inflated rates, calling the impact “devastating” for local livelihoods.
Syed Sumsam Ali Bokhari, chairman of Safari Club International Pakistan Chapter, noted that rising costs reduce Pakistan’s competitiveness. By comparison:
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Markhor hunts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can reach $500,000
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Tajikistan markhor hunts cost around $160,000 including logistics
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Blue sheep hunts in Nepal average $29,000
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Ibex hunts in Central Asia range between $8,500–$9,900
He added that security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and recent attacks in areas like Chitral further impact the country’s appeal for trophy hunters.
Community and Conservation Benefits
Pakistan’s trophy hunting programme, launched in 1990 in Bar Valley, Nagar, gives about 80% of revenues to local communities, funding conservation and development projects. While the programme has helped protect endangered species, stakeholders fear the latest price increases could threaten its sustainability.
Officials urge the GB wildlife department to reconsider pricing to remain competitive with regional markets while supporting local economies.
