A local hunter from Upper Chitral, Zeeshan Nasir, achieved a major milestone by successfully hunting a Himalayan ibex in Arkari Valley during the ongoing trophy hunting season.
Wildlife Department spokesperson Latif Rehman confirmed that the ibex was 10 years old, with horns measuring 43.5 inches, marking it as a notable trophy.
He said effective conservation and protection measures in the Arkari Valley have led to a significant increase in the Himalayan ibex population.
Under trophy hunting regulations, 80 percent of the hunting revenue goes directly to Village Conservation Committees, which use the funds for local welfare, education, and healthcare projects.
Experts and residents have praised trophy hunting as a successful model of sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, stating that it helps protect natural resources while providing economic benefits to local communities.