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GILGIT, Aug 9: The department of forests and wildlife, in Northern Areas has initiated reshuffling of the department following criticism by people over large-scale tree cutting in Sai Jaglote, 25km from here.
Sources said two forest guards, Sultanat Khan and Aslam, and a range forest officer Abdullah had been suspended on the charges of dereliction of duties. It is said that in recent days over 1,100 trees have been cut in Gasu and Pahoot areas of Jaglote Sai.
Similarly, the range forest officer of Gasu and Pahoot Kalbe Ali have been transferred to Skardu forest range.
Divisional forest officer of Gilgit range, Abdul Qayyum, has been made director of Khunjerab National Park (KNP) and Mohammad Sharif, the DFO of Sai forest range, has been transferred as wildlife management officer at the Khunjerab National Park.
Adviser for forests, fisheries and livestock Saifur Rahman Khan has recently visited the affected areas where the timber mafia had cut down trees at large scale. Mr Khan reported the matter to the Northern Areas chief executive, Abbas Sarfraz Khan, suggesting punitive action against the forest officials and timber mafia.
SMUGGLED VCRS: Pakistan Customs officials at the Sost checkpost forfeited at least 500 video cassette recorders (VCRs) on Thursday from the possession of one Mir resident of Jaglote.
The accused was attempting to smuggle the VCRs as the government has banned import of the VCRs from China.
CAMP: The Northern Areas health department has closed its two-day medical camp in the far-flung Shamshal valley, some 250km north of Gilgit.
An official of health department said they set up the medical camp on Tuesday. He said that the valley is yet to be linked to the rest of the areas and government has to make special arrangements for people during emergencies. He added that a large number of children were administered anti-polio drops, besides, an equal number of men and women were provided treatment and consultation on various diseases.
FAKE PIR: Sikanderabad police have nabbed a fake Pir, Allauddin, resident of Danyore, Gilgit, with his gang on the charges of looting innocent people, police said.
The accused was known in Gilgit district as a faith-healer and a large number of people who were deprived of their belongings. Villagers said that he had earned a lot of money from villagers. Police are investigating about his activities.
