CHITRAL: In a major move to curb rapid deforestation and dismantle illegal logging networks, the Lower Chitral district administration has banned the use of chainsaw machines across all forested areas in the region.

Deputy commissioner Rao Hashim Azeem issued the directive to this effect in a notification issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Azeem said that the decision stemmed from growing concerns over the depletion of forest cover, which poses a direct threat to the region’s ecological balance, wildlife habitats, and natural beauty.

He said that the mechanical efficiency of chainsaws had historically accelerated the pace of unauthorised timber felling, making the ban a necessary intervention for environmental preservation.

He said that under new regulations, the use of chainsaws by any individual within forest boundaries was strictly prohibited, while the violators would face legal action.

Mr Azeem said that relevant departments and law enforcement agencies had been tasked with the strict implementation of the ban.

He appealed to local elders, the public, and stakeholders in the forestry sector to act as custodians of the natural resources and cooperate with the authorities by reporting illegal logging activities to help safeguard the environmental heritage of Lower Chitral.

Meanwhile, the Lower Chitral police conducted a targeted operation in Drosh Bazaar and arrested a group of professional beggars who had recently arrived here from the Lodhran district of Punjab, official sources said on Tuesday.

Drosh police station SHO Ibrar Ahmed told Dawn that following the identification process, the beggars were sent back to their hometowns.

He added that the crackdown was part of a broader security strategy and, given the current security situation in the country, police were keeping a close watch on all non-local individuals to ensure peace in the district.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026