KP forms teams to probe deforestation

PESHAWAR: The Forest Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has imposed a complete ban on the movement of wood and formed seven teams for the purpose.

The ban on wood transportation was imposed after Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Anti-Corruption Establishment Brigadier (r) Musadiq Abbasi, took notice of the news circulated in the media about the illegal cutting of forests.

A handout stated that the Anti-Corruption Establishment was taking necessary action on deforestation and had launched an inquiry into the matter. It said strict disciplinary action would be taken against those involved. The district forest officers of Mansehra and Battagram were suspended, and departmental inquiries were initiated against them for allowing tree cutting and timber supply despite the ban on forest cutting.