ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan has directed the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest Department to address operational challenges faced by forest contractors, discourage frivolous complaints, and facilitate lawful forestry activities while ensuring security and sustainable forest management.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, reviewed the regulatory framework governing forest contractors and the implementation of sustainable forest management practices across Gilgit-Baltistan.
During the session, the sub-committee decided to conduct an on-site inspection of confiscated timber and seized vehicles. Officials informed members that 86 CCTV cameras had been installed to monitor forest check-posts and strengthen oversight of forestry operations.
Forest contractors highlighted several challenges, including security threats, transportation delays, rising operational costs, attacks on workers in remote areas, heavy financial penalties, security deposits, delays in tree-felling operations, and inadequate consultation during the drafting of contractual agreements.
Officials told the committee that forests in Gilgit-Baltistan are privately owned by local communities, while harvesting activities are regulated under scientifically prepared working plans to ensure sustainable forest management.
The sub-committee directed the Forest Department to review pending contractor cases dating back to 1992, submit the 2002 Working Plan, and provide a comparative analysis of the existing tree-felling sequence to improve transparency and operational efficiency.
Members were also informed that individuals involved in illegal logging are liable to fines amounting to three times the market value of the illegally harvested timber. Officials added that 57 vehicles seized in connection with forestry violations remain in departmental custody.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal logging, improving transparency in forestry operations, protecting private investment, and promoting sustainable forest management to conserve Gilgit-Baltistan’s valuable forest resources.
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