ISLAMABAD: A hunting permit for the Markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, was sold for over PKR 100 million during the 2025–26 trophy hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan. This is marks the highest-ever global bid for a Markhor hunting permit.
According to detail, the auction, held at the Forest, Parks, and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit, saw vigorous participation from both domestic and international hunters.
A total of 118 hunting permits were sold, including permits for four Astor Markhors, 100 Himalayan Ibex, and 14 Blue Sheep.
The highest bid was placed for a Markhor permit in the Nanga Parbat Conservation Area, fetching USD 370,000. This permit was purchased by the owner of a hunting safari company. The other three Astor Markhor permits also attracted remarkable bids, selling for USD 286,000, USD 270,000, and USD 240,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, the most expensive Blue Sheep permit sold for USD 40,000 to Mohammad Ali Nagri, who also bought a Himalayan Ibex permit for USD 13,000.
Khadem Abbas, Conservator of Parks and Wildlife in Gilgit-Baltistan, stated that the base rates for permits have been significantly increased this year. The base rate for Astor Markhor now stands at USD 200,000, Blue Sheep at USD 30,000, and Himalayan Ibex at USD 10,000—substantially higher than last year’s rates.
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Similar auctions have been held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a Markhor permit was sold for USD 287,000 in Chitral last year.
