Pakistan generated more than Rs. 1.83 billion in revenue from Markhor and Ibex trophy hunting between 2023 and 2025, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Climate Change in the Senate.
Balochistan received the largest share of the reported revenue, generating around Rs. 760 million during the period. Gilgit-Baltistan followed with more than Rs. 620 million, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded approximately Rs. 447.8 million. Sindh generated around Rs. 3.1 million.
Under Pakistan’s existing trophy hunting policy, most of the revenue is directed toward communities living in areas where hunting takes place. Around 80% of the proceeds are allocated to local communities, while the remaining 20% goes to provincial wildlife departments.
The revenue-sharing system is intended to give local communities a direct financial benefit from wildlife conservation. By allowing communities to earn from regulated trophy hunting, the policy aims to encourage them to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats.
However, the Ministry of Climate Change told the Senate that there is currently no central mechanism to independently audit how the community portion of the funds is distributed.
The lack of a central auditing system has raised questions about financial transparency and oversight. Without independent monitoring, it can be difficult to establish whether the funds allocated to local communities are being distributed and used as intended.
The figures have brought renewed attention to the balance between wildlife conservation, community benefits and financial accountability.
While trophy hunting generates significant revenue for Pakistan and provides financial incentives for conservation, stronger oversight could help ensure that the money reaches the communities it is intended to support.
The disclosure in the Senate highlights the need for greater transparency as Pakistan continues to manage its wildlife resources and the revenue generated through regulated hunting programmes.
