Forest department to be modernized: Bukhari
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Environment Syed Wajid Hussain Bukhari has said that provincial forest department would be provided with modern technologies and incentives to further strengthen their forest monitoring system.
He expressed these views while chairing a high level meeting attended by Secretary Environment Ijaz Qureshi, I.G.Forests Bashir Ahmed Wani, DG, NAB,Peshawar Air Vice Marshal Rafiq But, Chief Conservator NWFP Forest Department Muhammad Iqbal Sawati and others regarding conservation of forests here on Friday in his office.
The Minister urged for provision of alternate energy sources on subsidized rates to local communities in upland forest areas to contain affarestation and deforestation.
Chief conservator of Forests NWFP forest department briefed the minister about problems faced by the forest department increasing assault on forest resources, Lawlessness increase of illegal trafficking by Timber mafia abolition of magistracy system and prolonged ban on scientific forest management.
The minister was appraised that 31479 cases of forest offence are still pending after the abolition of Magistracy system and hailed the performance of NWFP forest department.
It was also decided in the meeting to review the ban on commercial harvesting of government owned forests come up with comprehensive strategy.