KP Uncovers Rs1.7B Illegal Timber Operation

Peshawar, September 1, 2025, 09:36 PM PKT — Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have exposed a massive illegal timber operation worth Rs1.7 billion, seizing 2.3 million cubic feet of timber from provincial forests, as reported by The News, following a provincial cabinet directive. The Forestry Planning and Monitoring Circle (FP&MC), Peshawar, revealed the haul, mainly from Battagram’s Allai tehsil, with ongoing monitoring of three compounds potentially increasing the volume. 140 officers and officials are implicated, with show cause notices issued, charge sheets prepared, and some cases referred to NAB and the Anti-Corruption Department.

The inspection reviewed woodlots, working plans, FDF schemes, the 2003 dry standing and windfallen trees policy, and illicit cut timber policy, finding 370 cases: 168 clear (45.4%), 91 with minor issues (24.6%), and 111 with major violations (30%). Of 4.39 million cubic feet cleared, 1.545 million rectified for minor issues, and 2.361 million seized, woodlots led with 64 major violations (of 178 cases), followed by working plans (25 of 79), dry standing/windfallen trees (22 of 76), with FDF schemes (36 cases) and illicit cut policy (1 minor issue) showing fewer issues. The report flagged officials ignoring marking standards, deviating from plans, or aiding illegal cuts.

The Forest Department has launched proceedings under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules 2011, with 140 charge sheets in progress and legal action underway. Officials vow to curb the timber mafia and boost transparency, but experts warn of vulnerable forest cover without strict accountability. Web context on forestry scandals shows past lapses, while posts found on X reflect outrage mixed with hope—some demand justice, others question enforcement. Critically, the narrative of “timber crackdown” may mask systemic corruption—web data hints at chronic issues, and X sentiment suggests distrust in lasting reform, pointing to potential setbacks.