G-B lawmakers upset over deforestation

Felling of trees around Astore and Skardu will deprive the region of precious natural resources.

GILGIT: Lawmakers in the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Assembly on Wednesday voiced concerns over illegal cutting of trees in forests of Astore and Skardu, saying that this will deprive the region of precious natural resources.

“Is there any department to ask officials of the forestry department why such rampant deforestation is taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan?” Abdul Hamid, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker from Astore asked while speaking on a point of order. He called for holding an inquiry into the matter before it spiraled out of control.

Wazir Shakil, another lawmaker, agreed with his colleague’s observations and said that deforestation was also common in his area, adding that people responsible for it should be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

Deputy Speaker Jamil Ahmed, who was conducting the session in the absence of the speaker, asked the Adviser on Forests, Aftab Haider, to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2010.