The Experts on Monday warned of enhanced risk of flooding and other natural catastrophes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) due to massive deforestation in the province at the hands of timber mafia.
A seminar titled ‘Walking into Disaster: Massive Illegal Deforestation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ was jointly organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Sarhad Conservation Network (SCN).
Chairperson, Board of Governors, SDPI Ambassador (R) ShafqatKakahel in his vote of thanks extended his gratitude to the speakers and guests. He commended the effort of the SCN for collaborating with the Institute on a provincial issue as the latter had most of its focus on the federal level.
Ambassador Kakakhel said the climate change impacts will be felt in the provinces and we must unite on behalf of communities for their own wellbeing. Forests, he said are an integral part of the discourse on climate change as it has its impacts on cross-sectoral areas from sea level rise to heatwaves and forest fires.
“Pakistan is a forest-deficient country due to its soil and less rainfall. The model of Iran for conservation of lakes, wetlands and water bodies which is appreciable as it is a water deficient country, should be replicated for forest conservation,” he added.
While moderating the discussion, Convener, SCN, DrAdilZareef said the issue of deforestation has been pronounced since June 2023 after the caretaker government came into power in the province. He said the situation was disturbing in newly merged and settled districts due to increased tree cutting leaving the lush green forests denuded and the future of generations compromised.
