Elders reject claims of timber smuggling from Arandu Gol

CHITRAL: Local elders of Arandu on Thursday brushed aside the claims regarding timber smuggling from the Arandu Gol area using mules.

Addressing a press conference at the Chitral Press Club, Union Council Nazim Haji Sher Zameen, former nazim Sher Muhammad, Ghazi Khan Wardak and other community leaders dismissed the claims made by Captain (retd) Sirajul Mulk as baseless and misleading.

The elders said that the timber smuggling did occur during the Taliban’s control of Arandu Gol in 2006.However, since the ouster of militants, they said, the area has been under the strict supervision of Pakistan Army personnel, who have installed barbed wire fences and maintained strict security measures.

They questioned the credibility of the claims, pointing out that the forest was currently buried under heavy snow, making any kind of timber transportation virtually impossible. They argued that large quantities of valuable timber worth millions had been lying unused and were deteriorating due to restrictions imposed on their removal.

“This unnecessary delay is not only causing financial losses to the royalty holders and the local population of Arandu but is also depriving the government of significant revenue,” said one of the elders. They also mentioned a similar situation at the Sidoor area, where timber has been left to decay for years.

The elders expressed disappointment over the statements, urging Sirajul Mulk to refrain from making baseless accusations. They demanded the chief minister and relevant authorities to form an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.

“We are ready to accept any punishment If our claims are proven false. However, if the claims made by Captain Siraj are found to be incorrect, he must be held accountable and face appropriate disciplinary action,” said an elder.