PESHAWAR: During the ongoing crackdown against illegal timber smuggling, the Forest Department has revealed that smugglers are using the CPEC and motorway network to transport illegal wood.
The department has also termed its lack of authority to act on motorways as a major problem. According to a report by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department, illegal timber smugglers are moving wood and other forest products via the CPEC and motorway network. However, due to the absence of forest checkposts near motorway entry points, it is extremely difficult to stop such vehicles.
The report further stated that Forest Department patrol squads do not have the authority to chase or stop suspicious vehicles once they enter the motorway or CPEC routes. Because of this, action against illegal timber transportation remains limited.
The Forest Department has termed the situation alarming and stressed the need for immediate measures. It has recommended that vehicles carrying wood or forest produce entering motorways should only be allowed to use routes that have been officially notified by the KP Forest Department for legal transportation.
The department has also urged that its patrol squads should be given the power to chase and stop suspicious vehicles carrying wood or forest products on the motorway network, while the Motorway Police should provide full cooperation to the Forest Department in anti-smuggling operations.
Read also: Motorway Police urge public to report traffic violations on highways
