Peshawar - Adviser to the Chief Minister on Forests, Environment, Wildlife and Climate Change Pir Musavir Khan on Thursday directed authorities to intensify action against illegal logging and wildlife poaching while accelerating efforts to expand forest cover and protect biodiversity across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting of the Forest and Wildlife Department attended by Secretary Forests and Wildlife Junaid Khan, senior forestry officials and departmental representatives.
Review of Ongoing Initiatives
The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives under the Forest and Wildlife Department, including development projects, afforestation campaigns, biodiversity conservation measures and programmes aimed at protecting rare wildlife species. Officials briefed the meeting on progress of projects under the Annual Development Programme and highlighted efforts to enhance forest cover and strengthen environmental protection across the province.
Forests and Wildlife as Key Assets
Speaking on the occasion, Pir Musavir Khan described forests and wildlife as among Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most valuable natural assets and said their preservation remained a key government priority. He emphasized the need for sustainable and effective measures to increase green cover, safeguard biodiversity and improve environmental resilience in the face of growing climate challenges.
Directives for Enforcement and Transparency
The adviser directed officials to ensure timely completion of development projects while maintaining transparency and efficient utilization of public resources. He instructed the department to strictly enforce relevant laws to curb illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Highlighting the importance of institutional strengthening, Pir Musavir Khan called for the adoption of modern technologies to improve departmental performance and environmental governance.
Reforms and Commitment to Good Governance
He said reforms would be introduced in the forests, environment and wildlife sectors in line with the provincial government’s vision for sustainable development and natural resource conservation. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to merit, transparency and accountability, the adviser said no compromise would be made on good governance and effective service delivery within the department.
