PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched a decisive province-wide crackdown against the timber mafia, illegal timber smuggling and unauthorized sawmills under the directives of the Chief Secretary and the Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department. The large-scale operation, initiated in response to reports of illegal logging and timber transportation, reflects the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy towards forest crimes and its commitment to environmental protection and transparent governance.
Between May 1 and 19, 2026, authorities conducted 233 raids and operations across the province, resulting in the confiscation of 6,770 cubic feet of illegal timber and more than 73,000 kilograms of fuel wood. During the campaign, 59 vehicles were seized, 53 offenders arrested and 31 illegal saw machines dismantled, while fines exceeding Rs. 8.374 million were imposed. The Forest Department, District Administration and Police jointly carried out the operations through coordinated enforcement efforts.
The government has also introduced a digital monitoring and reporting system to improve transparency, track confiscated timber, monitor legal proceedings and enhance revenue collection. In addition, forest officials have been directed to identify unauthorized sawmills, digitize records of licensed units and use drones and satellite imagery for inspections to detect illegal harvesting activities. Authorities say the crackdown will continue with full force to dismantle timber smuggling networks and protect the province’s valuable forest resources for future generations.
