The Country of Pakistan

Pakistan is a South Asian nation with a diverse landscape, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

• Capital: Islamabad
• Official Language: Urdu, English (used for official purposes)
• Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
• Population (2025 estimate): Approximately 255.3 million
• Area: 796,095 km² (making it roughly four times the size of the United Kingdom)
• Geography: Pakistan’s geography is highly varied. It encompasses:
  • Northern Mountains: Including the mighty Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges, home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 (Mount Godwin Austen), the second-highest mountain in the world.
  • Western Mountains: Such as the Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges.
  • Indus River Plains: A vast and fertile plain sustained by the Indus River and its tributaries, forming the country’s agricultural heartland.
  • Baluchistan Plateau: A rugged, arid plateau in the west.
  • Deserts: Including parts of the Thar Desert in the southeast.
  • Coastal Areas: Along the Arabian Sea in the south.
• Climate: Pakistan experiences a diverse climate, ranging from:
  • Continental Climate: In the northern mountains (Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), with extremely cold winters and pleasant summers.
  • Arid to Semi-Arid: In much of the plains and Balochistan, with very hot summers (temperatures can exceed 53∘C in some areas) and cold, dry winters.
  • Tropical Climate: Along the coastal strip in the southeast (Sindh), characterized by higher humidity and moderate temperatures.
  • Monsoon Season: From June to September, bringing significant rainfall, especially in the northern and eastern regions.
• Economy: Pakistan has a developing, mixed economy. Historically agricultural, it has diversified into manufacturing and a growing services sector. Key industries include textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. The economy faces challenges but is undergoing liberalization and privatization to attract foreign investment.
• Culture: Pakistani culture is a blend of various regional influences, reflecting its diverse ethnic groups (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Baloch, Muhajir, etc.). Islamic traditions are central to daily life and major festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are widely celebrated. Other festivals like Basant (spring festival) and religious celebrations of minority communities also add to the cultural tapestry.

Wildlife in Pakistan

Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude mountains to deserts and coastal mangroves, support a wide array of wildlife.

Notable Wildlife:

• Mammals:
  • Mountain Ungulates: Pakistan is particularly famous for its mountain dwellers, including the Markhor (Pakistan’s national animal, with majestic spiral horns, found in northern and western mountainous areas like Chitral, Ghizar, Hunza, and Baluchistan), Siberian Ibex (the largest goat species, found in the high altitudes of central and northern Asia, including northern Pakistan), Himalayan Ibex, Sindh Ibex (found in arid regions of Sindh), Blue Sheep (Bharal), Marco Polo Sheep (a subspecies of argali sheep, known for their large horns, found in northern Pakistan), and various Urial species (Punjab Urial, Blanford Urial).
  • Carnivores: Snow Leopard (critically endangered, found in the Hindu Kush and Karakoram regions, with an estimated population of 200-420 in Pakistan), Eurasian Lynx, Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Red Fox, Honey Badger (Ratel), Leopard Cat, Fishing Cat.
  • Deer & Antelopes: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai (Blue Bull), Hog Deer, Axis Deer. The Blackbuck is extinct in the wild in Pakistan but exists in captivity.
  • Other Mammals: Himalayan Brown Bear (Deosai National Park is a key habitat), Marmot (in Deosai National Park), Indian Pangolin (highly trafficked), Wild Boar, Macaque monkeys, Indus River Dolphin (endangered, found in the Indus River), Beavers (along rivers).
• Birds: Pakistan is a significant flyway for migratory birds.
  • Birds of Prey: Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Peregrine Falcon, Goshawk, Shikra, various owls.
  • Game Birds: Chukar Partridge, See-see Partridge, Black Francolin, Grey Francolin, Houbara Bustard (endangered), Pheasants (e.g., Cheer Pheasant – being reintroduced, Himalayan Monal, Western Tragopan, Ring-necked Pheasant).
  • Waterfowl: Mallard Duck, Shelduck, Dalmatian Pelican, Demoiselle Crane, Greater Flamingo (breeding in the Rann of Kutch), various Herons and Kingfishers.
  • Other Birds: Myna, Hoopoe, Indian Peafowl, Red-vented Bulbul, Rock Pigeon, Parrots (e.g., Ring-necked Parrot).
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Mugger Crocodile (found in freshwater habitats), Gharial (critically endangered, though its status in Pakistan is precarious), various species of sea turtles (Green Sea, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Leatherback – nesting on the coasts), Indian Cobra, Saw-scaled Viper, Leopard Gecko, Monitor Lizard.
• Fish: Many freshwater and marine fish species, including various types of catfish and the Hilsa, which migrates from the Arabian Sea to spawn in freshwater.

Conservation Efforts: Pakistan has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Khunjerab National Park, Deosai National Park, Kirthar National Park, Hingol National Park, and Lal Suhanra National Park, which play a crucial role in wildlife conservation. Efforts are underway to protect endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Markhor, Indus River Dolphin, and various migratory birds. However, challenges like habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade persist.

Hunting in Pakistan

Hunting in Pakistan is a complex topic, characterized by a regulated trophy hunting program for certain species, alongside ongoing issues with poaching.

Trophy Hunting Program:

• Regulated and Community-Based: Pakistan’s trophy hunting program is highly regulated, primarily managed by provincial wildlife departments in coordination with local communities and, in some cases, the WWF. This program is designed to be community-based, meaning a significant portion (often 80%) of the trophy hunting fees goes directly to the local communities. This provides a strong incentive for communities to protect wildlife and their habitats, as it offers a vital source of income.
• Species Hunted: The most sought-after species for trophy hunting are:
  • Markhor: (Kashmir Markhor, Astor Markhor, Sulaiman Markhor subspecies). These are among the most expensive and prestigious hunts globally due to their rarity and the challenging terrain.
  • Ibex: (Himalayan Ibex, Sindh Ibex).
  • Urial: (Punjab Urial, Blanford Urial).
  • Blue Sheep.
  • Wild Boar: Often considered a pest in agricultural areas and hunted more widely.
• Permits and Fees:
  • Foreign hunters need specific permits and must bid for these permits, often through licensed outfitters. The fees for prime trophies like the Markhor are substantial (e.g., US$ 20,000 or more for foreign hunters).
  • A “Big Game Shooting License” is also required.
  • The number of permits issued annually for each species is very limited to ensure sustainability.
  • The hunting season typically runs from December to April.
• Hunting Methods: Trophy hunts are primarily “classical mountain hunts,” involving extensive stalking and hiking in rugged, high-altitude terrain. Physical fitness is crucial for these hunts.
• Logistics: Hunters usually fly into Islamabad (or Karachi for southern hunts) and then take domestic flights or long car transfers to remote hunting areas. Outfitters arrange accommodation (often comfortable guesthouses in central/southern areas, or village houses/herdsmen cabins in the north), transportation, guides, and necessary permits.
• Contribution to Conservation: Proponents of the trophy hunting program argue that it is a critical tool for conservation, as the funds generated directly benefit local communities, giving them a vested interest in protecting the game species and their habitats. This incentivizes anti-poaching efforts at the local level.

Challenges and Illegal Hunting (Poaching):

• Widespread Poaching: Despite the regulated trophy hunting program, illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking remain significant threats to Pakistan’s wildlife.
• Targeted Species: Poaching impacts a wide range of species, including snow leopards (for pelts and bones), falcons (for the sport of falconry, often by wealthy individuals from Gulf states), pangolins (for meat and scales in traditional Chinese medicine, with demand increasing due to CPEC), and bear cubs (captured for the exotic pet market or circuses).
• Lack of Enforcement: Weak penalties for poaching, limited financial resources for wildlife departments, and a shortage of trained personnel hinder effective enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
• Organized Crime: The illegal wildlife trade is often carried out by organized criminal networks, making it difficult to combat.
• Demand: High demand for illegal wildlife products in domestic and international markets (especially in the Middle East and China) drives poaching.

In summary, while Pakistan offers highly sought-after, regulated trophy hunting opportunities that contribute to conservation efforts, it also faces a persistent battle against illegal hunting and wildlife trade that continues to threaten its unique biodiversity.