SWAT: District Magistrate Shehzad Mahboob has invoked section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to address pressing concerns related to environmental degradation, public safety, and the overall maintenance of law and order in the district.

This was shared in a statement issued by the district administration, stating that these stringent measures, effective for the next 60 days, aimed at curbing illegal practices that endangered the environment and public well-being. It stated that violators would face strict action under section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

One of the key elements of the order is the complete prohibition of illegal deforestation and tree cutting, with a particular emphasis on banning the use of chainsaws and other destructive tools.

This action has been taken in response to the alarming rise in deforestation within both private and protected areas of Swat. Illegal logging not only disrupts the region’s ecological balance but also exacerbates the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

These activities are believed to empower timber mafia to further harm the district’s natural resources and biodiversity. By restricting these practices, the authorities aim to safeguard Swat’s forests and mitigate the impact of climate change in the region.

In addition to environmental concerns, the district magistrate has also addressed issues that directly threaten public safety and peace.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024