KARAK: The social and political activists have expressed concern over the chopping of precious trees from the Sheenghar forests here, and demanded action against the influential timber mafia.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, activists Ali Jan, Saifullah and Daraz Khan said that timber mafia had long been involved in ruthless chopping of trees. They said the wood was being supplied to both the local and national market.

The activists complained that the Sheenghar forest had a very pleasant affect on the environment, but the tree felling spree had reduced rainfall in the region. They said the hills were the common properties of many sub tribes of Khattak tribe, but the timber mafia had deprived the shareholders of their rights due to their influence.

They regretted that despite having knowledge of illegal cutting of trees the forest department never bothered to take action against the timber smugglers.

They claimed that many times some unknown miscreants also set on fire the jungle, devastating a large number of olive trees and wildlife. They threatened to protest if the government did not take action against the timber mafia.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2017