Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, here on Tuesday announced a province-wide crackdown on illegal logging, vowing to implement a zero-tolerance policy against the timber mafia.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Tuesday, the CM made it clear that the illegal cutting of forests is not only causing great harm to the natural resources but is also a major cause of environmental degradation.
He clarified that forests are a “national trust” that must be protected for future generations, further directing immediate registration of criminal cases against all those involved in illegal tree cutting.
The CM also directed the Forest Department to identify new areas for large-scale afforestation alongside a robust campaign against illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking, directing that offenders be apprehended without delay and subjected to strict legal action.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to bringing wildlife protection standards in KP in line with international best practices. CM Sohail Afridi also directed the concerned departments to revamp the legal framework and introduce comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening forest and wildlife protection laws and enhancing penalties for violations.
He observed that loopholes in existing legislation have allowed the exploitation of national resources, which is no longer acceptable. He instructed all relevant departments to review current laws, identify gaps, and present fresh recommendations to make environmental protection laws more stringent and enforceable.
Briefing the CM on departmental performance, officials reported that from 2018 to October 2025, a total of 242,782 cubic feet of illegally cut timber had been seized, a Forest Development Fund worth Rs 5.6 billion was established, and revenue exceeding Rs 2.5 billion was generated.
The meeting was further informed that GIS mapping of 3,217 industrial units had been completed to develop an emission inventory for the industrial sector, along with GIS mapping of 720 brick kilns and 879 crushing plants.
On the issue of smog, it was revealed that 57 percent of contributing factors in Peshawar are emissions from vehicles. Officials also informed the meeting that mechanisms for predicting Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and cloudbursts will soon be operational.
CM further directed concerned departments to present dedicated briefings on the Makhniyal Forest project and the province’s Carbon Credit initiatives, reaffirming his government’s resolve to protect natural resources and promote sustainable environmental management.