Punjabs Forest Department arrested the ring leader of a wooden smuggling network in Khanpur after performing a major operation against illegal deforestation, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said on Thursday.
The operation was performed during the Environmental Protection Mission for Punjab Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has directed strict action against the influential tree of wood, according to a statement from the department.
In a speech after Raidet, Maryam said Punjab Forest Department acted quickly on a confidential tip-off and launched an immediate operation in coordination with the local police. Officials seized a vehicle filled with illegal wood and several suspects were arrested on site.
A four of the case was registered at Shadani Police Station.
The senior provincial minister praised the team for their quick and decisive answers.
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She added that after the suspected temporary bail, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) received Rahim Yar Khan threats from the defendant who pushes the department to withdraw the case.
“We have reached the district administration, and another FIR has now been registered according to the Telegraph Act to formally respond to this illegal threat,” she said.
According to Maryam, such threats have become a routine consequence of strict enforcement, but the government remains indispensable.
“We will not give in to any pressure. There will be no compromise when it comes to protecting our natural resources,” she said. “Law enforcement will be maintained at all costs.”
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She added that the forest department, the district authorities and the law enforcement authorities are working in full coordination to settle timber smuggling networks.
The provincial minister noted that CM Maryam has issued direct instructions to intensify efforts and ensure complete protection of forests from powerful tree interests.
In a separate development, Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has confiscated more than 321,000 kg of plastic bags under 75 micron since a provincial ban came into force on June 5.
According to official data, EPA teams have conducted over 143,000 inspections throughout the province. A total of 136,961 Raids led to the seizure of 249,485 kg of plastic, with 72,097 kg restored in 6,393 attacks in Lahore alone.
