Attock cracks down on illegal timber trade with tough new laws, heavy penalties

ATTOCK, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Mar, 2026) The government has introduced stringent and far-reaching measures to curb illegal tree cutting and the unlawful transportation of timber, aiming to protect forest resources and promote environmental sustainability. Moreover, legal amendments have been enacted to discourage violations, with authorities firmly stepping up enforcement to ensure a robust and effective crackdown on offenders.

In this regard on Wednesday, Deputy Conservator Forest Attock, Syed Nadeem Abbas, while exclusively talking to APP, clearly stated that transporting timber without a valid permit is a punishable offence, carrying fines ranging from Rs.100,000 to Rs.1 million. He further emphasized that illegal tree cutting in government forests is a serious and non-bailable offence, while violators may face up to five years imprisonment and fines of up to Rs.

5 million under the revised laws.

Furthermore, the official strongly warned that any vehicle found transporting illegally sourced timber would be confiscated along with the wood, with no possibility of return. He added that the registration of timber depots is being rapidly streamlined to trace the origin and buyers of timber, ensuring a transparent and accountable supply chain to discourage unlawful practices.

Syed Nadeem Abbas announced that the Forest Department will soon establish its own police stations and check posts, alongside launching a comprehensive awareness campaign on forest conservation. He urged citizens to actively participate in tree plantation, describing it as a noble and ongoing charity, and called for collective efforts to safeguard the environment for future generations.

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