MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Waqar Ahmed Noor has ordered immediate measures to address the administrative, legal and commercial issues faced by the wood industry in the region.
The minister issued the directions during a meeting with a high-level delegation of the Wood Industry Association, led by its President Nisar-ur-Rehman Abbasi, here on Friday.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the minister in detail about the challenges confronting the wood industry. The representatives highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to the economy of Azad Kashmir and its role in generating employment, while expressing concern over the difficulties currently faced by industry operators.
The delegation called for the timely availability of timber at reasonable rates, the smooth issuance of permits and the removal of administrative hurdles affecting business operations.
Taking notice of the concerns, Minister Waqar Ahmed Noor listened to the delegation’s grievances and issued immediate directions for their resolution. He also announced the formation of a special committee at the level of senior forest officials to review and address issues and complaints related to the wood industry.
The committee will comprise Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Sardar Iftikhar Ahmed, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Malik Asad Mahmood, and Conservator of Forests Mir Naseer. It will examine matters concerning the industry and work towards resolving outstanding complaints to provide relief to those associated with the sector.
The minister assured the delegation that the government was taking concrete steps to find lasting solutions to the industry’s problems and improve the business environment in Azad Kashmir.
Secretary Forests Chaudhry Muhammad Farid also assured the representatives that the department was committed to strengthening cooperation with the business community and supporting the industry within the applicable legal framework governing forest resources.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Forest Department, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Sardar Iftikhar Ahmed, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Malik Asad Mahmood, Chief Conservator of Forests (Development) Raja Zahid Hussain, Project Director Dr. Zakir Hussain, Conservator of Forests Irtiza Qureshi and other senior officers.
The initiative aims to improve coordination between the Forest Department and the wood industry, resolve longstanding operational challenges and support economic activity and employment while ensuring compliance with forestry laws and regulations.