Timber auctions banned in Punjab under CM Maryam’s orders

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has immediately ended the practice of illegal logging carried out through timber auctions to protect the forests.

According to the directive, the Forests, Wildlife, and Fisheries Department has been instructed to strictly enforce the ban. The government has also announced plans to create new and transparent rules for timber management. These rules will be developed with the help of modern technology and mapping systems to ensure better monitoring and accountability.

Officials explained that in the past, trees were cut down recklessly under the cover of auctions, and the profits from these sales often benefited only a few individuals. To prevent such misuse, the government intends to shift towards a more transparent system. Moving forward, high-quality videos and photographs of timber will be made available before any auction takes place. This will ensure that the process is fair and accessible to all stakeholders.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken this step to safeguard Punjab’s forests and protect the land from soil erosion. She emphasized that preserving forests is not only vital for the environment but also for the well-being of future generations. The new policy marks an important shift in how the province handles forestry resources. By combining strict enforcement with modern tools, the government aims to end corrupt practices, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development. This ban reflects the provincial leadership’s commitment to environmental protection and its determination to stop exploitation of Punjab’s forests.