Peshawar, Jan 24, 2026: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet is expected to take a decision regarding the long-pending disposal of dry windfall timber lying across various parts of the province, including Lower Chitral.
The Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife in a statement on social media said that it has initiated practical steps to utilize long-frozen forest resources. In this regard, Managing Director Forest Development Corporation (FDC) Ahmad Zaib briefed Secretary Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Junaid Khan during a meeting held in Peshawar.
The briefing revealed that millions of cubic feet of dry windfall timber, felled over past years, are currently stored at multiple locations such as timber markets, roadside depots, forest areas and transit routes. A substantial quantity is available at Chakdara Timber Depot, while remaining stocks are scattered at roadside sites including Allai (Battagram) and Arandu in Lower Chitral, as well as forest and transit areas.
Most of the stock lies within the Malakand Forest Circle and consists of high-value species such as deodar, kail and fir/spruce, whereas a comparatively smaller quantity is located in the Hazara Forest Circle.
Ahmad Zaib informed the meeting that the prolonged delay in timber disposal stemmed from several structural and policy-related hurdles. These included the ban imposed on the Dry Windfall Policy in 2014, which led to disputes and lengthy litigation, along with a complex, time-consuming and resource-intensive third-party verification process. Other challenges included policy extension gaps, limited workable months and the overlooking of slack seasons during permit issuance.
To prevent further deterioration and financial losses, the meeting proposed immediate approval for auctioning the timber available at Chakdara Timber Market. It was also suggested that permission be granted for harvesting and disposal of remaining stocks lying in forests, transit routes and roadside locations. These measures are expected to revive blocked investments, generate significant revenue and bring long-pending forest produce into a formal disposal framework.
Secretary Junaid Khan appreciated the efforts of the Forest Development Corporation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving inherited forest sector issues through timely decisions, improved coordination and transparent mechanisms.
The meeting was informed that a comprehensive summary would soon be submitted to the provincial cabinet to reach a final and conclusive solution to the decades-old issue of windfall and stock timber across the province.
The disposal of dry windfall timber is expected to safeguard valuable forest assets, promote sustainable forest management, strengthen institutional credibility and contribute positively to the provincial economy.
It may be mentioned here that Arandu in Lower Chitral has recently come under the spotlight following reports of activities of the timber mafia involved in illegal logging and smuggling of valuable forest resources. The area is considered environmentally sensitive and rich in high-value tree species such as deodar, kail and fir, making it vulnerable to organised exploitation. Local communities and environmental activists have repeatedly raised concerns over unchecked timber extraction, weak enforcement, and misuse of policy loopholes, warning that continued illegal logging is accelerating deforestation, damaging ecosystems, and increasing the risk of floods and landslides.
The issue has sparked wider debate about governance, accountability and the need for stricter oversight of forest management in the region.
Related:
Govt Moves to Confiscate Illegal Timber in Arandu Gol.
Chitral’s forest a ‘windfall’ for timber mafia.
Chitral timber mafia making hay out of govt’s ‘windfall policy’.