MALAKAND: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department has seized a Suzuki loader vehicle carrying illegally transported timber as part of an ongoing anti-smuggling campaign.
The action was carried out on the directions of the KP government and the Secretary Forests, KP, under the supervision of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Malakand Region, and the Conservator, Malakand East.
The operation was conducted by the Forest Department’s patrol squad under the supervision of SDFO Patrol Squad Homesh Kumar, along with field staff, following special directions of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Patrol Squad.
The vehicle and timber have been taken into official custody, and further legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved.
According to the Forest Department, legal action is being taken under the relevant provisions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Ordinance, 2002.
Further investigation is underway to identify all individuals involved in illegal cutting, transportation and smuggling of timber.
The Forest Department said it would continue its zero-tolerance approach towards forest crimes, illegal tree cutting and timber smuggling.
The department also said intelligence-based operations, night patrols and legal action would continue to protect the province’s valuable forest resources.
Such enforcement efforts are important for protecting forests, biodiversity and the natural resources that support local communities and help strengthen the environment against climate-related pressures.
