‘All available resources being utilised to curb deforestation’

MANSEHRA: Chief Conservator of Forests, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kifayatullah Baloch said on Sunday that his department had been utilising all available resources to curb deforestation and check transportation of timber across the province.

“The government has imposed a complete ban on the cutting and transportation of timber throughout the province. And we have strictly been enforcing its directive,” he told journalists after conducting surprise visits to various forest posts.

Accompanied by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Patrolling, Saeed Wazir, DFO Agror Tanawal Forest Division Amanullah and other officers, Baloch inspected multiple forest posts in the district.

“Pakistan ranks among the countries most affected by global warming. We can mitigate its impact by preserving our forests and reducing carbon emissions,” he added.Baloch said that for the first time in the history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa timber smuggling had effectively been controlled.

“Those found aiding smugglers will be held accountable under strict legal actions,” he added.He emphasised the importance of tree plantation drives to convert barren and infertile lands into forested areas across the province.“Mansehra and the rest of Hazara Division are rich in natural resources and dense forests. We must protect them using a scientific approach,” he added.