MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Sardar Javed Ayoub on Wednesday reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal logging.
Read More: KP CM announces province-wide crackdown against illegal logging
Speaking during a visit to the Forest Department’s central office on Bank Road, he emphasized the use of modern technology, strengthened monitoring, and enhanced staff capacity to combat deforestation.
The minister received detailed briefings from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Sardar Iftikhar Ahmed, CCF Territorial Malik Asad Mahmood, and Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme Project Director Dr Zakir Hussain. Secretary Forests Ansar Yaqoob was also present. Officials highlighted ongoing development schemes, reforestation efforts, plantation success rates, and emerging challenges in forest management.
KASHMIR’S BRICK-KILN MAFIA
According to the J&K Government’s own official admission, there are a total of 570 brick-kilns in the Union Territory and 132 of them are operating illegally, without consent. Unofficial reports put the number of such illegally established and brazenly… pic.twitter.com/nsPB0OaDke
— Ahmed Ali Fayyaz (@ahmedalifayyaz) November 26, 2025
Calling forests a national asset, Mr Ayoub noted their critical role in combating climate change. “Forests are the backbone of our state and protecting them is both a duty and a religious obligation,” he said. He stressed the importance of using technology to detect illegal logging, enhancing staff skills, and ensuring strict monitoring at check posts.
The minister underscored the need for community involvement in forest protection, encouraging students, civil society, and local forest protection committees to participate. He also promoted eco-tourism and planting fruit-bearing, climate-compatible species to support environmental sustainability and local economic development.
Request to @OfficeOfLGJandK
We request the administration to immediately take note of the illegal extraction taking place at Badwader Sangam, Eidgah,against the will of the local residents. This unlawful activity will have a direct and severe impact on @diprjk @ANI @SanjayNaad pic.twitter.com/GTCXVoE20r— Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (@OFFICIALJKNPF) November 26, 2025
Highlighting governance reforms, Mr Ayoub announced measures to eradicate corruption within the Forest Department and ensure transparency and accountability in all projects. He directed officials to vigorously pursue land encroachment cases and warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators.
Read More: Illegal logging biggest threat to forest cover: experts
The minister also called for the full activation of the Forestry Foundation to support department employees. He concluded that safeguarding AJK’s lush forests is vital for environmental protection, climate mitigation, and economic survival, emphasizing that protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility of the government, communities, and future generations.