Illegal Timber Seized in Lower Chitral Crackdown

Authorities in Lower Chitral have initiated a joint operation targeting illegal timber transportation, leading to the seizure of vehicles laden with illegally harvested wood and the arrest of drivers and suspects. This crackdown was launched under the directive of Deputy Commissioner Ehsanullah, with cases registered under the Forest Ordinance and suspects subsequently jailed. The administration has vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against tree cutting and timber smuggling, urging public cooperation through social media and a control room to help protect forest resources. This action comes amidst reports of significant illegal logging, particularly in Arandu Gol, by a timber mafia reportedly colluding with officials, which has not only devastated green forests despite a government ban but also allegedly deprived local communities of their rightful share of forest royalty funds. Previous complaints about irregularities in royalty payments have been filed, highlighting a persistent issue that impacts both the environment and local populations.