Migratory birds coming from Siberia face a significant threat in Gilgit-Baltistan, as locals in Ghizer, Nagar, and Gilgit are constructing ponds to engage in hunting activities. Reportedly, the illegal trapping of rare birds is also occurring in areas such as Attabad Lake, Borit Lake, and the Hunza River in Hunza.

The government's lack of action perpetuates this illegal hunting, posing a serious risk to these essential species. Protecting migratory birds is vital for maintaining ecosystem health, and urgent measures are needed. Imposing substantial fines on hunters and putting a stop to the construction of hunting ponds are crucial steps to safeguard the ecological balance.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF-P), due to the hunting of all migratory species, ducks are mercilessly killed every year in Pakistan. As a result, the population of some duck species, including the white-eyed pochard, marbled teal, and garganey, has drastically decreased.

During the winter season in Gilgit-Baltistan, migratory birds move from the north to the south to escape the cold. After the season concludes, they return southward. Gilgit-Baltistan lies at the crossroads for bird migration, with its wetlands attracting high numbers annually in the winter. These birds arrive through the international migration route known as the Indus Flyway, from Siberia and over the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges along the Indus River down to its delta.