Supreme Court criticizes KP Govt and Forest Department over timber export

ISLAMABAD, 01 Aug (INP): The Supreme Court has issued strong remarks regarding the negligence of both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the forest department in the case concerning the cutting of trees in the province.
During the hearing of a petition against timber export, Justice Mazhar Alam Mian Khel expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, noting that the significant case has been pending since 2013. He questioned why the KP government had not sought an early hearing.
Justice Sardar Tariq Masood criticized the KP government for its inaction, warning that the entire forest might be cut down if measures are not taken. He echoed concerns about the government's and the forest department's apparent inactivity.
Justice Mazhar Alam Mian Khel highlighted that both the provincial government and the forest department seem to be asleep on the issue. He pointed out that the KP government could have implemented a policy to address the problem but failed to do so. He questioned whether the provincial government has the authority to make and enforce rules regarding forest conservation.
Additional Advocate General KP Shah Faisal clarified that following the 18th Amendment, the management of forests falls under the provincial government's jurisdiction, which includes the power to ban timber exports and collect related taxes. He pointed out the inconsistency where the KP government imposes a ban while the federal government permits timber export.
During the session, the Additional Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa presented the Forest Policy 2002 to the court. The Supreme Court accepted the appeal for hearing and adjourned the case for one month.