AJK Forms Panel on Environmental Crisis

News Desk

Muzaffarabad: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has moved to strengthen environmental protection measures, with the Legislative Assembly forming a 10-member committee to develop a comprehensive response to deforestation, environmental degradation and threats to the region’s natural resources.

The committee has been tasked with examining the environmental challenges facing AJK and recommending both preventive and rehabilitation measures to the federal and regional governments. It has been directed to submit its report to the Assembly within one month.

The move came after lawmakers debated an adjournment motion moved by opposition member Mian Abdul Waheed, who drew the House’s attention to the deteriorating environmental situation in the region.

The committee includes ministers and members from both treasury and opposition benches, including Education Minister Dewan Ali Khan, Forest Minister Akmal Sargala, Disaster Management Authority Minister Ch Akbar Ibrahim, Planning and Development Minister Ch Muhammad Rasheed and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Environment Ch Rafique Nayar.

Opposition Leader Ch Latif Akbar, former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Mian Abdul Waheed and MLA Faisal Mumtaz Rathore are also part of the committee.

Concluding the debate, Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said his government would take strict action against deforestation and activities damaging the environment. He described climate change and environmental degradation as major global challenges and said environmental protection was among the government’s priorities.

He said the government had already banned construction along riverbanks and would strictly enforce restrictions on the cutting of green trees. He added that the government’s “Clean and Green Kashmir” initiative was aimed at preserving the region’s natural environment.

The prime minister said a comprehensive environmental policy would be developed after considering the committee’s recommendations and expert input.

Opposition Leader Ch Latif Akbar called for greater financial support for environmental conservation, suggesting that the committee approach the federal governments of Punjab and Sindh to allocate funds in their provincial budgets for the protection of AJK’s forests and environment.

He argued that the health of forests and ecosystems in AJK was also closely linked to agricultural productivity in Punjab and Sindh, making environmental conservation a matter of national importance.

To reduce pressure on forests, Akbar proposed providing free electricity and subsidised LPG to rural communities so that residents would have alternatives to using wood for construction and fuel.

Other lawmakers, including former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Mian Abdul Waheed and Forest Minister Akmal Sargala, called for measures to protect forests and water resources.

The committee’s forthcoming report is expected to provide recommendations for addressing environmental degradation while strengthening conservation of AJK’s forests, rivers and other natural resources.