PESHAWAR: The auction of four international Markhor trophy hunting permits administered by the Wildlife Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has generated a record $1.21 million, equivalent to approximately Rs335.7m. This represents the highest-ever revenue generated through a trophy hunting programme in Pakistan’s history, the wildlife department’s statement issued on Friday said. It said the department conducted a “historic” auction of the Markhor trophy hunting permits for various village conservation committees in Chitral and Kohistan. The permits were auctioned for Toshi-I, Chitral at $320,600; Toshi-II, Chitral at $335,600; Gahirat Gol, Chitral at $260,000; Kigah Khwar, Kohistan at $295,600. “The four permits collectively generated $1,211,800, equivalent to approximately Rs335.725m, marking a historic record for the trophy hunting programme in Pakistan,” the statement said. Despite global controversy surrounding trophy hunting, supporters argue that such programmes help prevent poaching, empower local communities and contribute to wildlife conservation. Latifur Rehman, the spokesperson for the KP Wildlife Department, told Dawn that only a limited number of permits had been issued under the trophy hunting programme for the hunting of mature and old male Markhor. According to Rehman, the fundamental objectives of the programme were to support wildlife conservation, ensure sustainable management of natural populations, and enable local communities to benefit economically from conservation. “This is more than an auction. It is a success story of a conservation philosophy: when forests are protected, wildlife thrives; when wildlife thrives, communities prosper; and when communities prosper through conservation, the future of nature becomes more secure,” he said. The spokesperson said the government was taking “effective and result-oriented measures” to conserve wildlife, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and make local communities “meaningful partners in the protection of nature”. He highlighted that 80 per cent of the revenue generated through trophy hunting would be directly allocated to the welfare and development of the relevant local communities while the remaining 20pc would be deposited into the government treasury. The spokesperson said that the communities living in the mountains, valleys and remote areas of the province had maintained a close relationship with nature for generations, adding: “The government’s policy of linking wildlife conservation with livelihoods, development and community prosperity is transforming this longstanding relationship into a stronger and more sustainable partnership.” He said Markhor was a “distinctive symbol of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural heritage and biodiversity”, adding that the government was continuing integrated conservation measures in partnership with local communities.