KP launches crackdown against timber mafia, timber smuggling

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) The Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched an unprecedented province-wide crackdown against the timber mafia, illegal timber smuggling networks and unauthorized sawmills operating across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The comprehensive anti-smuggling campaign was initiated following reports and concerns circulating on social media regarding illegal harvesting of timber and the unlawful movement of forest produce in different parts of the province.

Taking immediate notice of the matter, the Chief Secretary directed all Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Police authorities and the Forest Department to undertake coordinated and result-oriented operations aimed at safeguarding the province’s forest resources and ensuring strict enforcement of forest laws.

The campaign reflects the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection, natural resource conservation and transparent governance.

Under the leadership and special instructions of Mr. Junaid Khan, Secretary Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, all forest check posts were placed on high alert while patrol squads were mobilized across the province to intercept illegal transportation of timber and forest produce.

Forest field formations were directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response against illegal logging and smuggling activities.

The anti-smuggling drive has been supported by an integrated enforcement framework involving the Forest Department, District Administration and Police Department, demonstrating a whole-of-government approach to combating environmental crime.

According to a detailed report prepared by Muhammad Junaid Dayar, Project Director, Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme (UGPP), the campaign has already produced remarkable results within a short period. Between 1st and 19th May 2026, a total of 233 operations and raids were conducted throughout the province.

These actions resulted in the confiscation of 6,770 cubic feet of illegally transported timber and 73,105 kilograms of fuel wood, while 59 vehicles involved in illegal transportation were seized.

Law enforcement authorities arrested 53 offenders, dismantled 31 illegal saw machines, and imposed fines amounting to Rs. 8.374 million, sending a strong message that forest crimes will no longer be tolerated.

The Forest Department alone carried out 141 operations, confiscating 5,410 cubic feet of timber and 71,195 kilograms of fuel wood, seizing 52 vehicles, registering multiple criminal cases and imposing fines exceeding Rs. 5.346 million. Simultaneously, the District Administration conducted 92 operations, recovering 1,360 cubic feet of timber and 1,910 kilograms of fuel wood, seizing additional vehicles, registering criminal cases and imposing penalties worth more than Rs. 3 million. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts and the commitment of field staff operating under challenging conditions across diverse terrains.

Recognizing the importance of transparency, accountability and digital governance, the Additional Chief Secretary directed the development of a modern digital reporting mechanism through collaboration between the PMRU, District Administration and Forest Department.

A dedicated monitoring dashboard has now been established to record confiscated timber, monitor legal proceedings, track auctions of seized forest produce and ensure transparent accounting of government revenues generated through lawful disposal processes.

This digital transformation is expected not only to enhance transparency and public trust but also to substantially increase government revenues while creating a strong deterrent against illegal forest activities.

As part of broader enforcement reforms, Secretary Junaid Khan also directed all Divisional Forest Officers to identify and report unauthorized sawmills operating within their jurisdictions and to submit digitized records of all legally licensed sawmills.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Furthermore, forest divisions have been instructed to undertake physical inspections of designated forest compartments using modern technologies, including drones and satellite imagery, to identify illegally harvested timber and forest produce. Any illegally acquired material detected through these inspections is to be confiscated immediately, followed by comprehensive reporting and legal action.

These measures will not only help curb illegal harvesting but will also contribute to protecting timber resources from anticipated monsoon floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events, which experts have warned may intensify due to above-average rainfall forecasts this year.

The report further highlights emerging challenges confronting forest law enforcement agencies. Illegal timber traffickers are increasingly exploiting motorway and CPEC transportation corridors to move illicit timber across regions.

The absence of forest check posts near motorway entry points and existing jurisdictional limitations restricting patrol squads from pursuing vehicles on motorway networks have created enforcement gaps.

To address these vulnerabilities, the report recommends enhanced coordination with motorway authorities, establishment of strategically located forest check posts before motorway entry points, and authorization for Forest Department patrol squads to intercept vehicles transporting illegal timber and forest produce with the support of motorway police and relevant Federal agencies.

The success of the ongoing campaign has significantly strengthened public confidence and boosted the morale of frontline forest personnel. The coordinated actions undertaken by the Forest Department, District Administration and Police Department have demonstrated that effective inter-agency collaboration can produce tangible results in protecting natural resources and enforcing environmental laws.

The campaign has also conveyed a clear and unequivocal message to timber smugglers, illegal loggers and forest offenders that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains fully committed to protecting forests and ensuring strict compliance with the law.

Looking ahead, the government has adopted a comprehensive roadmap to sustain the momentum of the anti-smuggling campaign. Forest crime hotspots will be identified through compartment-wise inspections and enhanced surveillance in vulnerable areas.

Confiscated timber and forest produce will be traced to their sources of origin, and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against any officials found complicit in illegal activities or negligence.

Timber control forms will be fully digitized to improve transparency and monitoring, while district administrations will be encouraged to replicate successful measures such as restrictions on activities that may trigger forest fires and tighter regulation of chainsaw usage.

Capacity-building initiatives are also being launched across all forest regions to enable Divisional Forest Officers to directly upload enforcement data into the digital monitoring system, thereby strengthening reporting efficiency and accountability.

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reiterates that forests are a strategic national asset, vital for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, watershed protection and sustainable economic development.

Under the visionary leadership of the provincial government and through the steadfast commitment of the Chief Secretary and Secretary Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, the ongoing anti-smuggling drive will continue with full force until illegal timber trafficking networks are dismantled, unauthorized sawmills are eliminated and the province’s invaluable forest resources are secured for future generations.

APP/aqk