Peshawar: (RightNow) The deforestation situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become alarming. Experts warn that it increases the risks of floods and landslides.

Illegal logging, land grabbing, and fire incidents have severely affected the forests. According to Global Forest Watch, 4,800 hectares of forests were lost from 2021 to 2025.

The report states that deforestation has resulted in 1.9 million tons of carbon emissions. In the Basala area of Mansehra, mining has reduced forests by 98.5%.

Forestry Secretary Junaid Khan states that deforestation is not permitted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, wood collection for personal use is allowed.

It is important to note that commercial use or smuggling of wood from personal land is a crime. In the past two months, 233 operations against wood smuggling were conducted, and 59 vehicles were seized.