MUZAFFARABAD: Highlighting the critical role of trees in sustaining life and mitigating climate change, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Thursday reiterated his zero-tolerance policy toward deforestation.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Tree Plantation Campaign at Tandali Forestry Complex, he reaffirmed that no illegal encroachments would be tolerated in forest areas, and strict legal measures would be taken to curb unlawful occupation of forest land.

He attributed incidents like cloudbursts to unchecked deforestation, warning that removing trees from mountains would have devastating consequences.

“This practice goes against the laws of nature,” he remarked, adding that the current government’s efforts to prevent illegal logging were unparalleled.

He cited an instance where a serving deputy superintendent of police was caught smuggling timber by a forest guard, with both the public and government supporting the latter.

“This strength comes from the state and government. We have taken on mafias, and I am bearing the consequences,” he asserted.

The prime minister stressed the importance of institutional reforms, warning that failure to implement them would lead to further challenges.

He announced that the minister and secretary of forests would soon present a comparative report on forest conservation efforts under the current and previous governments.

He lamented the relentless criticism faced by the administration, revealing that he received images of tree cutting almost daily. “It took 50 years to destroy this system, and we must now work towards its restoration,” he said. The government, he noted, was committed to increasing forest resources and had allocated funds accordingly.

Unlike in the past, tree saplings meant for plantation campaigns were no longer wasted by being dumped into rivers. “Anyone found engaging in such misconduct will be made an example,” he warned.

He reassured that the government did not intend to terminate temporary employees and had prioritized regular salary payments to forest workers.

Referring to the administration’s recent move to clear roads of vendors in Muzaffarabad, he directed officials to provide alternative locations for displaced vendors. “I do not seek credit for displacements. Hurting people’s livelihoods is painful, and urban beautification should not come at the cost of businesses,” he said, calling for civil society’s active participation in preserving the city’s aesthetic appeal.

He also issued a stern warning against those trying to exploit government measures for personal gain through blackmail, stating that they would be dealt with severely. Reflecting on his tenure, he said, “In these 22 months, all I have seen is protests. While we respect democratic demonstrations, they should not disrupt governance.”

Forests: A Symbol of Survival

Earlier, addressing the ceremony, the prime minister described forests as essential for human survival. “Anyone who tampers with trees invites the wrath of destiny,” he said. He rejected the idea of cutting down forests for a mere Rs 740 million in annual revenue, calling it a national crime. “Interfering with nature leads to collective destruction. Plant as many trees as possible; afforestation is a duty towards humanity,” he urged.

He pointed out that areas suffering from rampant deforestation had experienced cloudbursts and landslides, adding that he had never seen prosperity in the families of those involved in illegal logging.

“Climate change is real; seasonal patterns are vanishing. We need systemic improvements and institutional reforms,” he stressed.

Commending the forestry department’s efforts over the past two years, he also acknowledged the bravery required to combat timber smuggling and reassured that society still had individuals willing to take a stand against wrongdoing.

The AJK premier also stressed the importance of transparency in afforestation efforts, instructing the forestry department to provide accurate figures for planted trees and conduct follow-ups on their growth.

“This is a national campaign, and for the next 45 days, the prime minister, cabinet, and various segments of society will actively participate,” he announced and encouraged citizens to plant trees in honour of their parents and loved ones as an ongoing charity.

Earlier, Minister Akmal Sargalla and Secretary Ansar Yaqoob also spoke.

Mr Yaqoob informed the gatheringthat 104 vehicles had been confiscated during the ongoing crackdown and that timber auctions had been made mandatory to regulate wood sales.

“Every timber sale will now be publicly advertised,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025