Massive Timber Scam Unearthed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have revealed a significant timber scandal amounting to Rs1.7 billion, with the seizure of 2.3 million cubic feet of wood obtained illegally.

Investigations have brought to light the involvement of 140 officers and officials. They have been served show cause notices, and their charge sheets are being prepared. The provincial administration has channeled several instances to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Department for further action.

A report generated by the Forestry Planning and Monitoring Circle (FP&MC) in Peshawar indicates the timber was confiscated from Allai tehsil in Battagram, among other locations. The report suggests the total amount may increase as monitoring continues at three additional sites.

The provincial cabinet mandated this monitoring, which encompassed woodlots, sanctioned operational strategies, FDF initiatives, the 2003 guidelines for desiccated and fallen trees, and regulations addressing unlawfully harvested timber.

Key Findings

The analysis showed significant irregularities. Of the 370 cases scrutinized, 168 (45.4%) were deemed compliant, 91 (24.6%) presented minor anomalies, and 111 (30%) displayed considerable discrepancies.

Regarding volume, clearance was granted to 4.39 million cubic feet of timber. An additional 1.545 million cubic feet were permitted following corrections of minor issues, while 2.361 million cubic feet were impounded because of severe breaches.

Category Breakdown
  • Woodlots: Examination of 178 cases revealed 64 with major infractions.
  • Working Plans: Monitoring of 79 cases identified 25 with substantial irregularities.
  • Dry Standing and Windfallen Trees Policy: Out of 76 cases reviewed, 22 exhibited major violations.
  • FDF Schemes: 36 cases were assessed with no major discrepancies, while a minor violation was noted under the illicit cut timber policy.

The report highlighted that the impounded timber stemmed from incidents where officials disregarded timber marking protocols, did not adhere to authorized working strategies, or enabled unlawful harvesting.

The Forest Department has started proceedings under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules of 2011. Charge sheets are being finalized against the implicated officers and staff, and legal steps have been launched against those responsible.

Information indicates that timber tagging and harvesting oversight had been on hold for three years for unclear reasons. However, in 2024, the existing KP government mandated the renewal of monitoring and surveillance, instructing authorities to provide detailed reports. This led to the disclosure of the extensive fraudulent scheme.

Government sources assert that these measures will help control timber mafia operations and promote openness in forest management. Specialists, however, caution that without strict accountability, the province’s sensitive forest areas will remain susceptible to unlawful logging and negligence by officials.