A single permit to hunt the endangered Astore markhor in Gilgit-Baltistan sold for $370,000 at auction, the highest amount ever paid for a hunting license, setting a new hunting world record for Pakistan.
The permit was given out on Wednesday at the Forest, Parks, and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit during the annual trophy hunting auction hosted by the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife and Parks Department, according to media sources.
According to Khadim Abbas, the Gilgit-Baltistan Conservator for Parks and Wildlife, “this is the highest bid ever for a markhor hunting permit, both in Pakistan and globally.”
Permits were made available for 118 animals during the 2025–2026 season, including 100 Himalayan ibexes, 14 blue sheep, and four Astore markhors.
