Forestation programme under way in G-B

Timber thieves to face six months imprisonment

ISLAMABAD: Minister Forest, Wildlife and Environment Gilgit-Baltistan Muhammad Imran has said that forestation is under way under Green Pakistan Programme.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, he said federal government has released Rs270 million as first instalment out of Rs440 million allocated to Gilgit- Baltistan under the programme.



Muhammad Imran said Forest department has started implementation a number of schemes to make Gilgit-Baltistan greener

Meanwhile, the Forest Department Gilgit Baltistan has tightened noose around timber mafia in Skardu and warned strict action against timber smugglers including an imprisonment for six months in jails. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Astore Saleem Ahmad told media that action against timber smugglers have been started and those involved in illegal cutting of forest would be sent to jails for six months.

He said green gold would be protected at all cost and cooperation of masses was required in this regard.

The DFO said ban on illegal cutting of forests has been imposed and violators would be punished as per the law.

PM’s Youth Loan Scheme

Separately, Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly Member and Parliamentary Secretary for Education Sherin Akhtar has urged youth to take full advantage of PM’s Youth Loan Scheme for their own benefit and contribute in process of national development.



Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sherin Akhtar said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has started this goal oriented scheme to help youth towards establishment of their own business and contribute economically for their wellbeing viz-a-viz for their country.

She said the PM Nawaz would soon visit Skardu and announce special development package for G-B.

She said there was no dearth of talent in G-B youth and the government would utilise all available resources for their progress.

The MLA urged the youth to play role for development of G-B by working hard in their respective professional fields.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2017.