The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has yet to dispose of approximately 550,000 cubic feet of legally harvested timber worth an estimated Rs. 3.8 billion, leaving the valuable resource exposed to the elements for nearly 16 years.
The timber was collected between 2008 and 2010 from dry and wind-fallen trees in Upper and Lower Kohistan under the Dry Wind Fall Policy 2003. In Upper Kohistan, around 3.15 million cubic feet of timber was harvested, of which 2.78 million cubic feet was sold in 2010. However, nearly 350,000 cubic feet remained unsold after the policy’s approved timeframe expired.
Similarly, 1.34 million cubic feet of timber was harvested in Lower Kohistan. While 1.1 million cubic feet was sold, approximately 204,000 cubic feet has remained undisposed of ever since.
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The unsold timber has been lying along the Karakoram Highway, nearby roads, rainwater channels, and forest areas, where years of exposure to rain and harsh weather have significantly reduced its quality and market value.
Under the current revenue-sharing formula, 80% of the proceeds from timber sales go to local forest owners, while the remaining 20% is allocated to the government for forest management. Due to the prolonged delay in approving the sale, local communities have suffered substantial financial losses.
Officials say the provincial government has been cautious about authorizing the sale because images of timber-laden trucks on social media often spark allegations of illegal logging and timber smuggling.
To resolve the issue, the Forest and Wildlife Department has submitted a summary to the provincial cabinet seeking approval to auction the remaining timber and prevent further losses.
