Hunting permits

Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in flora and fauna. Some rare species are found here included. But, with the growing illegal hunting and auction permits provided to amateurish foreign hunters, the population of already endangered species is shrinking rapidly. The Markhor of the Astore region are considered one of the most rare and highly expensive species. The GB wildlife department auctions permits for the hunting of rare species. Besides this, illegal hunting by locals also affects these rare animals.The local administration claims that 80 percent of the income from such hunting is used on the development of local sectors in education, health and other sectors of progress. To date one cannot see any progress made in the region owing to this income. The authorities responsible seem to only fill their own pockets out of this income. These species are a great blessing and we should preserve them instead of ensuring their extinction just for fast money.Zahid Ali ZohriGilgit-Baltistan

from The News International - Newspost http://bit.ly/2uX2pkN