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PESHAWAR: A leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and former Member of National Assembly (MNA) on Thursday demanded immediate ban on the illegal and large-scale deforestation at the hands of timber mafia in the name of windfall cutting.
Addressing a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, flanked by elders from Chitral, said the timber mafia was cutting precious trees in Bamboret, Rambur, Birir and Ayun areas of Chitral district in the name of windfall woods for the last four years.
He alleged the deforestation was being carried out in Chitral with the assistance of MNA Shahzada Mohiuddin and Provincial Forests Minister Wajid Ali Khan. He said the practice was not only converting thick forests into barren land but also adversely affecting environment in the area.
Maulana Chitrali said that according to a notification issued in 1975, these forests were the property of the government and as per government policy the royalty of these forests would be equally distributed amongst the local population. “However, an influential family in Chitral is getting 40 percent share in the royalty, while the commoners are given 20 percent share,” he added.
Abdul Akbar Chitrali condemned the recent arrest of area residents by the local administration under the 16 Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), who were protesting for their genuine demands. He demanded immediate release of the detained people; otherwise a full-fledged movement would be launched for their release and put an end to deforestation in Chitral.
Addressing a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, flanked by elders from Chitral, said the timber mafia was cutting precious trees in Bamboret, Rambur, Birir and Ayun areas of Chitral district in the name of windfall woods for the last four years.
He alleged the deforestation was being carried out in Chitral with the assistance of MNA Shahzada Mohiuddin and Provincial Forests Minister Wajid Ali Khan. He said the practice was not only converting thick forests into barren land but also adversely affecting environment in the area.
Maulana Chitrali said that according to a notification issued in 1975, these forests were the property of the government and as per government policy the royalty of these forests would be equally distributed amongst the local population. “However, an influential family in Chitral is getting 40 percent share in the royalty, while the commoners are given 20 percent share,” he added.
Abdul Akbar Chitrali condemned the recent arrest of area residents by the local administration under the 16 Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), who were protesting for their genuine demands. He demanded immediate release of the detained people; otherwise a full-fledged movement would be launched for their release and put an end to deforestation in Chitral.
Source
http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=84868&Cat=7&dt=12/30/2011
Posted in: Chitral
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