A growing concern over environmental degradation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has led a human rights body to move the Peshawar High Court against what it describes as unchecked and illegal deforestation across the province.

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, has filed a constitutional petition through its provincial president Izharuddin, General Secretary Muhammad Daniyal, and legal advisor Advocate Hamza Jamshed. 

The petition states that the rapid destruction of forests is not only an environmental issue but also a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights to life, a clean environment, and a safe future.

The petition calls for strict accountability of those involved in illegal logging and demands immediate protective measures to safeguard the province’s natural resources. It warns that continued forest loss is increasing the risks of floods, landslides, climate change impacts, and other natural disasters.

Also Read : Wildfires Rage Across KP Mountains, Forests Face Massive Destruction

The group said it has approached the court “not just for trees, but for the protection of future generations.”

Just a few days ago, forest fires were reported in several mountainous areas of Malakand and Mardan districts, including the hills of Sangina in Batkhela tehsil, Jaban Hills in Dargai, and multiple areas in Thana tehsil such as Bayzi Ala, Dhand Dheri, and Zarkani Tange in Malakand, as well as the Chanar hills in Rustam tehsil of Mardan, where forest cover and wildlife were affected before the situation was brought under control after firefighting efforts.

These developments have once again raised alarm over the protection of forests in the province, with activists urging stronger enforcement of environmental laws and urgent action against illegal logging.