Head of crisis-hit province spotted trophy hunting rare ibex in Gilgit-Baltistan
ISLAMABAD – As Balochistan grapples with a surge in terrorist attacks, insurgency, and widespread protests by nationalists and locals, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has been seen indulging in trophy hunting hundreds of miles away in the serene mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to sources, CM Bugti, accompanied by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani of Balochistan, hunted two rare Himalayan ibexes in Khyber Valley of Uper Hunza region on Friday. Both reportedly paid hunting fees Rs 2.9 million (Rs1.4 million each) to the Gilgit-Baltistan government for the licenses.
A photo circulating on social media shows the Chief Minister and the Senator posing proudly with their trophies rifles in hand and smiles on their faces sparking outrage and heated debate back home. Critics are questioning how the chief executive of a province besieged by crises could justify spending his time on leisurely pursuits instead of addressing the burning issues at home.
Although the hunt itself was legal conducted under Gilgit-Baltistan’s regulated trophy hunting program the optics of a crisis-hit province’s leader partaking in such activities have drawn sharp criticism.
The 2024-2025 trophy hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan officially concluded on April 25, 2025. This season, the GB Wildlife Department had to re-auction hunting permits for species like the Astore markhor, blue sheep, and Himalayan ibex after initial bids fell short of expectations. A second auction, held in November 2024 with higher reserve prices, saw successful sales.
Under the trophy hunting program, licensed hunters are allowed to hunt specific animals in designated community conservation areas. A significant share of the revenue generated goes directly to local communities to fund development initiatives.
While the trophy hunting program is celebrated for contributing to conservation and local welfare, CM Bugti’s timing and choice of leisure activity amid Balochistan’s turmoil has raised serious questions about leadership priorities and left many wondering whether the province’s mounting crises are truly receiving the attention they deserve.
It is worth mentioning that the Chief Minister (CM) traveled to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for hunting, despite the fact that Balochistan also offers trophy hunting opportunities for species such as the Blanford’s urial and the Chinkara gazelle in its rugged terrain. The Sulaiman Range, in particular, is renowned for Markhor hunting. Balochistan has several protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and game reserves, where such hunting activities are conducted.
