GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan has announced Rs3 million reward for information about illegal wildlife hunting in the region.

He made the announcement during a cheque distribution ceremony regarding 80 per cent community share of trophy hunting fee among conservation committees representatives here at the CM Secretariat on Thursday.

The event was attended by GB forest and wildlife secretary Sumair Ahmed Syed, Gilgit division commissioner Waqar Mir and other relevant officials.

The chief minister appreciated the region’s forest and wildlife department over efforts for wildlife protection and public participation for the purpose.

He said the GB hunting trophy programme was a model for the rest of the world.

Mr Khalid said the role of community conservation committees produced very positive results for the conservation of wildlife.

He ordered stricter punishments for poachers and said such people should be fined at least Rs2-3 million.

The chief minister said the government was formulating policies for better resource management at grassroots level in the region through public-private partnerships.

He said wildlife species and their habitats were the biggest asset for GB and a major source of its revenue.

Mr Khalid said Hungary gave away hundreds of hunting licences to protect wildlife and forest.

“We are committing the crime of do away with our wildlife and forests,” he said.

The chief minister said natural resources were imperative for man’s own survival. He said villagers in Astore cut down the entire local forest, so they couldn’t live there anymore.

“We [government] have to protect wildlife and forest for next generations and create such an environment, where all should live without fear of natural catastrophes,” he said.

Forest and wildlife secretary Sumair Syed briefed participants about the department’s efforts to protect wildlife, forest and environment in the region. He said strict action was being taken against poachers and those illegally felling trees.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2022