PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department has intensified its crackdown on the timber mafia, with the Patrol Squad of the West Malakand Circle, Timergara, seizing a vehicle carrying illegally processed timber products during a targeted operation.
The operation was carried out under the provincial government’s ongoing campaign to protect forests, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the directives of Adviser to the Chief Minister on Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Pir Musawar Khan, and the zero-tolerance policy of Forest Secretary Muhammad Junaid against forest crimes.
According to the department, the operation was conducted on the instructions of the Chief Conservator of Forests Region-III and the Conservator of Forests, West Malakand Circle. A special checkpoint was established at the Three Bypass, Timergara, under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) of the Patrol Squad.
During the operation, officials signaled a pickup vehicle covered with a tarpaulin to stop for inspection. However, the driver attempted to flee, ignoring the instructions of the forest officials. After a brief chase, the patrol team successfully intercepted the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of illegally manufactured wooden doors and windows concealed beneath the tarpaulin. The timber products, along with the vehicle, were seized on the spot.
The Forest Department said legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved under the relevant forest laws, while further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the illegal timber network.
Officials described the operation as a significant success for the West Malakand Patrol Squad and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to taking strict action against individuals involved in the illegal cutting, transportation and trade of forest resources.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Department reiterated that forests are a national asset and pledged to continue its zero-tolerance policy against timber smuggling and other forest-related crimes.
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