LOWER SIRAN, October 14, 2026 — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department has arrested three suspects for allegedly cutting pine trees illegally and processing the wood into firewood during an anti-smuggling operation conducted on October 13 in the Lower Siran Forest Division.
The operation was carried out by the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO), Lower Siran, alongside field staff, under the supervision of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Hazara Region, and the Conservator of Forests, Lower Hazara, on the special instructions of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Siran Division.
According to the department, the suspects were apprehended near the Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) field station while allegedly cutting a pine tree and converting the timber into firewood.
The department stated that the individuals had previously been involved in a similar firewood-related operation and had been given a conditional warning. Following the latest alleged offence, field staff took them into custody.
Legal Action Initiated Under Forest Laws
The recovered pine wood and firewood have been taken into government custody, while legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspects under the relevant provisions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Ordinance, 2002.
Further investigation is underway to identify and bring to justice all individuals involved in illegal tree cutting, timber transportation and forest-product smuggling.
Crackdown on Illegal Logging to Protect Forest Resources
The Forest Department has reiterated its commitment to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against forest-related offences, illegal logging and timber smuggling.
According to the department, intelligence-based operations, night patrols and legal action will continue to prevent the unlawful exploitation of forest resources and strengthen forest protection across the region.
Illegal logging can contribute to forest degradation, habitat loss and soil erosion, making effective enforcement and sustainable forest management important for protecting biodiversity and maintaining healthy mountain ecosystems.
