DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Members of the Damil Welfare Society of district Chitral staged a protest outside the Peshawar Press Club (PPC), urging the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take decisive action against the timber mafia, corrupt Forest Department officials, and their patrons involved in widespread deforestation across the province.
Led by the society’s president, Ismatullah Damil, the demonstrators criticized the ongoing destruction of valuable forest reserves, claiming it was being carried out with the backing of powerful elements and complicit officials.
They demanded the formation of a high-powered inquiry commission to probe corruption and illegal logging activities.
The protesters strongly opposed a recent directive from the Chief Secretary of KP allowing the removal of illegally cut wood from forest areas, arguing that it would only benefit the timber mafia under the pretext of preventing flood damage. They termed the order a green light for further exploitation of forest resources, endangering both the environment and future generations.
Speakers at the protest emphasized that unchecked deforestation has not only caused ecological imbalance but is also accelerating climate change, putting human survival at risk. They called on the provincial government and relevant authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to protect the remaining virgin forests and ensure accountability for those responsible.
