Three Arrested for Illegal Markhor Hunting in Pishin

Pishin, Balochistan – Authorities in Balochistan recently apprehended three individuals accused of illegally hunting the critically endangered markhor, Pakistan’s national animal. The operation was conducted by the Levies Force in the Bostan area of the Pishin district. The suspects—Izhar Khan, Masoor Khan, and Saddam Khan—were detained following a tip-off from local wildlife activists who observed unusual activity in the area.

The Levies recovered a slain markhor during the raid. The suspects were charged under the Wildlife Act, which imposes stringent penalties for such violations. If convicted, they could face hefty fines exceeding one million rupees and possible imprisonment.

Markhor, revered for its striking twisted horns, is a globally protected species. In Pakistan, it holds cultural and ecological significance. Illegal hunting not only threatens the species but also undermines conservation efforts spearheaded by local communities. Trophy hunting, regulated by provincial wildlife departments, allows a limited number of markhors to be hunted annually in exchange for substantial fees. These programs fund conservation and community welfare initiatives.

Notably, in 2023, a foreign hunter paid a record 75 million rupees for a markhor trophy hunt in Chitral, illustrating how controlled hunting contributes to the region’s development. Conservationists stress the need for stricter enforcement and awareness to prevent poaching and sustain the species.