LAHORE: The Punjab government has been urged to take notice of ‘grave violations’ committed by unregulated mining activities, threatening endangered species and causing environmental degradation in Kallar Kahar tehsil of Chakwal district.

In a complaint to the secretary of the Forest, Wildlife & Fisheries Department, residents of the area claimed that violations of the Forest Act 1927 (Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020) and Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act 1974 in protected areas were taking place.

“The unregulated mining activities which are threatening endangered species and causing environmental degradation, and exacerbate climate change impacts, immediate intervention of the government is needed to protect the reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries and hold violators accountable,” it claimed.

It said: “The mining activity is threatening endangered protected species and disrupting wildlife habitats in violation of the Punjab Wildlife Act 1974. Owing to mining activities, environmental degradation and pollution exacerbate climate change, contradicting national environmental laws and policies, along with Pakistan’s commitments under international agreements. The adverse environmental impacts constitute a serious environmental disaster with long-term consequences”.

It further alleged that owing to the negligence or collusion by government officials, violators were operating with impunity, bulldozing statutory protections.

“Such lapses not only breach the law but also undermine public trust and the rule of law, necessitating urgent corrective action,” it added.

The complainants requested the department to initiate criminal proceedings against mining operators and complicit officials for negligence or collusion for personal gain and restore the affected forest.

One of the complainants Waseem Ahmad Raja told Dawn that the Chakwal forest district officer (DO) along with the range officer on Saturday inspected the site and ordered to stop all mining activities in the forest.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2025