Ban imposed on activities in forest

Hazara Commissioner Mutahir Zaib has imposed section 144 for two months against all activities in forests to prevent wildfires.

The commissioner has imposed the ban after recurring fire incidents in adjoining Rawalpindi district forests destroyed trees worth millions of rupees.

During the ban period, any kind of fire activity (such as burning fire, campfire, fireworks) by residents or tourists in the forest and surrounding area was completely banned under section 144. The district administration and local police will ensure compliance with the law.

Unfortunately, during the last two months, more than 300 fire incidents have occurred in only three districts of the Hazara division including Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2022.