Under Cover of Paper: The Legal Hunting That’s Killing Our Skies – By : Noor Afzal
Chitral, known for it’s stunning mountains and rich biodiversity, is a peaceful sanctuary for migratory birds. Every year, millions of birds migrate from Central Asia to this region. They fill the skies and rivers with life and beauty. But sadly, they are also met by hunters—many holding permits from the government.
This bring us to a serious question: Are we destroying our natural beauty in the name of these so-called permits?
In winter, local people build small dams or water traps to hunt birds like the Houbara Bustard, Mallard, Pintail, Common Teal, and Garganey. In the summer, the hunting continues in the mountains, where birds—including migratory ones—are killed. These huntings often go beyond the limits allowed by government permits. Many hunters doesn’t even have proper gun licences.
Some people have even been injured by stray bullets. Deer, rabbits, and other mountain animals are also hunted illegally. According to local voices, the number of migratory birds has been decreasing every year—an alarming sign.
We appreciate the work of Chitral administration, especially efforts like Chitral Gol National Park, which is helping preserve our environment. But if the government continues giving hunting permits without control, we are risking the loss of our natural life.
One more worrying thing is that hunting has become a game. Even school kids are seen handling guns like toys and shooting birds for fun. This isn’t just a threat to nature, but to our future generation.
We request the local and provincial government to take strong action. There should be a clear system for issuing permits, regular checks, and public awareness. Otherwise, we will lose the birds that bring so much life to Chitral.
