Fee collection process from foreigners hunting houbara bustard initiated

Move aimed at making profits to assist breeding of the birds and the developmental works in the hunting areas

LAHORE: The process of collecting fees from foreigners for hunting houbara bustards has been initiated, Express News reported on Tuesday.

A ban on free hunting by the foreign hunters of the houbara bustard had been imposed by the government last year in October. The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) PML-N government earlier had abolished the fee being charged from the foreign hunters, especially the important figures of Gulf countries. The current government not only imposed the fee again but also increased its percentage.

Director Wildlife Conservation Department Muhammad Naeem Bhatti confirmed the news shared that the federal government has issued directives to all the four provincial governments, after which, the foreigners are being charged a fee for hunting the houbara bustard.



"Four foreigners hailing from Gulf countries have paid for the hunting in the ongoing season." While each hunter will be allowed to hunt for 10 days, for which he will be charged $100,000.

The move is aimed at making profits to assist in the breeding of the birds and the developmental works in the hunting areas.

Naeem Bhatti said that to determine the appropriate use of funds collected from the fees from hunters, a committee has been formed.

As much as 50 per cent of the amount will be spent on the development of that area, while 35 per cent will be given to Obara foundation to promote the growth of the birds

It is important to note that according to the wildlife act, hunting of the houbara bustard is banned, however, an exception was made for foreigners, who were allowed to hunt the bird after being granted a special permit.