PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has expressed serious concern over the increasing deforestation and unplanned construction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mountainous regions, directing the provincial government and relevant authorities to submit a detailed report within one month.
A bench comprising Justice Arshad Ali and Justice Inam Ullah issued a written order while hearing a petition against deforestation, instructing the authorities to present comprehensive details of the measures taken to protect forests across the province.
The court also sought clarification on whether any legal restrictions have been imposed on unplanned construction and the development of hotels in mountainous areas.
According to the order, unchecked urban expansion at tourist destinations and the construction of hotels in valleys without proper planning are among the major factors contributing to the rapid loss of forest cover.
The bench observed that the situation regarding deforestation in both the merged and settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was deeply alarming and remarked that the provincial government appeared to be paying insufficient attention to the growing environmental crisis.
The court noted that indiscriminate tree felling was causing serious damage to the local ecosystem and stressed the need for effective conservation measures.
During the proceedings, Advocate Hamza Jamshed represented the petitioner, while Additional Advocate General Asad Jan Durrani appeared on behalf of the provincial government. The hearing was adjourned for one month.
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