Timber traders urged to help grow forests

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has urged timber traders to play a proactive role in forest growth, while assuring government support for key trade-related challenges.

He was speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the All Pakistan Timber Traders Association, led by its Chairman Muhammad Sharjil Goplani. The delegation highlighted their pressing issues including banking hurdles, permit delays, shipment complications, documentation bottlenecks and challenges linked to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP).

Chairman Goplani pointed out that Pakistan heavily relies on timber imports to meet national demand, with the United States being the largest supplier, followed by Germany, Sweden, Finland, the Philippines and Canada. "Only 1.9% of our land has forest cover, which is far below national consumption needs," he said.

Responding to their concerns, Jam Kamal assured the delegation that the government was fully committed to addressing the challenges. He directed the relevant departments to take swift action to resolve permit and documentation problems.

At the same time, the minister emphasised the urgency of enhancing the local forest cover. "We must take this responsibility for the sake of our next generation," he remarked and urged the association to consider forest development as part of their long-term strategy and offered full facilitation from the government.

He instructed the departments concerned to conduct surveys in various parts of Balochistan, particularly in flood-prone and non-arable land – to assess their suitability for forest plantations. He identified some areas with untapped potential, suggesting the plantation of fast-growing tree varieties like Cano, Safeda and Subabul (Subrus).

The association told the minister that timber is treated as an essential item and currently enjoys exemption from customs duties – a critical policy supporting the construction and furniture industries.