Peshawar: The senior officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department visited Dir Kohistan, where a scientific reassessment of forests was underway for better management.
On the directives of Junaid Khan, Secretary, Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, the Director Research and Development (R and D) visited Patrak Forest Sub-Division, Dir Kohistan, accompanied by scientists and pathologists from the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Assistant Director R and D Malakand, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) Patrak and field staff.
The visit focused on a comprehensive scientific reassessment of fungal diseases and pest infestation affecting oak forests in Patrak, Biar and Barikot.
The multidisciplinary team conducted detailed field observations, examined affected forest areas and collected samples for further scientific analysis and diagnosis.
The exercise is aimed at determining the nature, extent and underlying causes of the reported fungal and pest outbreak, while developing appropriate and scientifically sound management responses to protect the health and resilience of the region’s valuable oak forests.
Following completion of the assessment and laboratory analysis, a detailed technical report containing findings and recommended remedial measures will be submitted to the concerned forest division.
The recommendations will provide a practical basis for timely management interventions and help strengthen the Department’s preparedness for addressing similar pest and disease outbreaks in the future.
The initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to science-based forest management, early detection of emerging threats and the protection of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s precious forest ecosystems.