MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Minister Waqar Ahmed Noor has directed officials to take strict and effective action against the timber mafia, illegal loggers and those involved in the smuggling of wood.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting of the Forest Department chaired by Minister Waqar Ahmed Noor at the conference hall in Muzaffarabad. The meeting reviewed the department’s performance, forest protection measures, wildlife and fisheries initiatives, and ongoing and proposed development projects.
Senior officials, including Forests Secretary Chaudhry Muhammad Fareed, Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Sardar Iftikhar Ahmed, regional forest officials, project directors, planning officers and divisional forest officers from across AJK attended the meeting.
The minister ordered indiscriminate action against the timber mafia and illegal cutting of forests, stressing that no political or influential pressure would be tolerated at forest check posts.
He directed officials to immediately register cases over the illegal transportation of timber and ensure strict implementation of the tendering system for the transparent disposal of wood.
Waqar Ahmed Noor said forests are a national asset and those damaging them would face strict legal action.
He added that action would not be limited to fines, and offenders would also be pursued for imprisonment and other penalties under the law.
The meeting decided to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against illegal logging and timber smuggling.
Officials were also instructed to ensure regular field visits by forest guards and directed that Divisional Forest Officers spend more time monitoring forests in the field rather than remaining in their offices.
The minister called for stronger coordination between the Forest and Wildlife departments and directed officers to personally supervise forest protection activities.
The meeting also approved measures including GPS-based demarcation of forest land, modern equipment and satellite monitoring for early detection and prevention of forest fires, and restoration of wireless communication systems to improve coordination among field staff.
Waqar Ahmed Noor said the Forest Department’s performance and field activities would be closely monitored over the next two months.
He directed officers and staff to perform their duties with honesty and warned that negligence in protecting forests, illegal logging and timber smuggling would not be tolerated.
The minister further stressed that protecting AJK’s forests, wildlife and natural resources remains a top priority of the government and called for stronger measures to prevent deforestation, protect wildlife and modernise the fisheries sector.
He also directed that all ongoing development projects be completed transparently and within the stipulated timelines.
