CHITRAL: The International Day of the Markhor passed unnoticed in Chitral as the local wildlife department failed to hold any ceremony or awareness event to mark the occasion for the second consecutive year. The silence is particularly stark given that Chitral hosts the largest population of Kashmir Markhor in its national park, while the wildlife department’s two divisional offices exist here. The day, established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) two years ago on May 24, 2024, aims to highlight the ecological importance of Pakistan’s national animal and boost global conservation efforts Local ecologists and conservationists have expressed regret over the official negligence and pointed out that the Kashmir Markhor found in Chitral was globally renowned for its unique physique, majestic flared horns, and distinct beauty.