AJK govt to prioritise afforestation: minister

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Minister Col (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor said the government would prioritise afforestation, restoration of natural forests and effective management of forest resources to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.

The minister made the remarks on Monday during his maiden visit to the Directorate of Forest Regeneration in Mirpur.

He planted a sapling and reviewed ongoing conservation and development initiatives in the region.

During the visit, officials briefed him on the department's overall performance, forest protection and management, plantation and natural forest restoration, ongoing development projects and activities under the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme.

The briefing covered measures to prevent forest fires and illegal logging, establish nurseries, improve sapling survival, encourage public participation and use modern technology to monitor forestry projects.

Noor described forests as one of AJK's most valuable natural assets and said their protection and expansion are essential for maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity and providing a healthy environment for future generations.

"Forests play a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the effects of climate change," he said, directing officials to strengthen conservation efforts and improve performance.

He called for practical measures to address administrative and field-level shortcomings and warned that negligence would not be tolerated.

He also directed officials to implement government policies with renewed commitment and ensure that all available resources were used to protect and expand the region's forests. Secretary Forest Chaudhry Fareed briefed the minister on the different projects of the forest department across AJK.