Published on, Sept. 4 -- September 4, 2025 6:19 AM

The highest rate Astore markhor hunting permit was sold out for $370,000 as the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Wildlife and Parks Department on Wednesday auctioned permits for 118 animals, including four Astore markhors, 100 Himalayan ibex, and 14 blue sheep - for the 2025-26 hunting season.

GB's trophy hunting programme involves local communities, who receive about 80 per cent of hunting revenues for conservation and development projects. While it has been credited with protecting endangered species, stakeholders fear the latest price hikes could jeopardise its sustainability.

The bidding ceremony was held today at the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit, where a large number of outfi...