GILGIT, Oct 14: The Gilgit-Baltistan forest department has constituted a task force to curb rampant smuggling of timber from the region to other parts of the country.

Official sources said that conservator of Wildlife and National Parks Walayat Noor had been appointed head of the task force which will also be responsible for putting an end to illegal cutting of trees. They said the task force had been provided an office and staff. It would take action against those directly or indirectly involved in cutting forests and then transporting the timber out of the region, said the officials.

Mr Noor appealed to the community to help the taskforce curb timber cutting and smuggling in Gilgit-Baltistan.

GB RECEIVES SNOWFALL: Upper parts of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday received first winter snowfall while rains lashed the lower areas, turning the weather chilly.

Parts of Ghizer, Hunza-Nagar, Astor, Skardu, Ghanche and Diamer districts received snowfall. Some reports said snowfall blocked roads in Minimarg, Qamri and Gultri valleys.

SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS: Sacrificial animals have flooded Gilgit city, as dozens of unauthorised sale points have been set up here, creating problems for local residents. These sale points are also causing frequent traffic jams.

The large number of sacrificial animals also polluted the town which is already witnessing pollution due to negligence of the municipal committee. The residents pointed out that some administration officials were hand in gloves with the animal traders.