ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the decision to dismiss and penalize a regional officer of the Mardan forest division — Meher Badshah — for his involvement in the logging of Shisham trees in Mardan.
The court has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to provide the forest department's 5-year budget, and the details of the employees and the trees logged legally, and illegally.
The apex court has also asked for details regarding the department's 5-year afforestation plan.
During the hearing session, the court remarked that rapid deforestation is extremely serious, and the practice is taking place in cahoots.
Chief Justice of Pakistan — Qazi Faez Isa — observed that rapid deforestation is causing extreme weather events while the trees are being felled and sold all over the country.
The Chief Justice has also remarked that the employees and officers involved in felling should be dismissed from their jobs as he criticized the department for its inactivity.
The three-member bench, under Chief Justice Qazi Faez, has adjourned the hearing for one month.
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Earlier this year, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called upon the provincial governments, civil society and all the citizens to become partners of the government’s quest for Green Pakistan.
“Today is about investing in our future. I urge the nation to synergize their efforts in safeguarding this invaluable resource and ensure its effective stewardship for our next generation,” he said in a message on observance of International Day of Forests 2024.
