Deforestation Continues in Shamshir Valley as Government Authorities Remain Silent

Incident and Viral Videos

The controversy began on November 5, 2026, when a video of Shamshir Valley surfaced on the social media account of local tourist and trekker Danish Abbasi. The footage clearly shows thousands of centuries-old Deodar and Pine trees being felled to create wide, highway-like pathways through the mountains, with large piles of cut timber visible at various locations.The tourist who recorded the video claimed that he was present in Allai Valley, where indiscriminate deforestation was taking place under the watch of the authorities.

Forest Department and Forest Owners' Position

Following the viral circulation of the videos and mounting public criticism, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department and the Association of Forest Owners issued their respective statements.

According to the Forest Department, logging in Shamshir Gantar, Allai Guzara Compartment No. 8, is not illegal. Authorities maintain that these are "Guzara forests," which are collectively owned by the local population.

The department stated that, in accordance with the approved working plan and government policy, a formal permit had been issued for the felling of approximately 360 trees, within prescribed limits. The permission was reportedly restricted to trees that were dry, fallen, or diseased, for domestic and industrial use.

Government Notice and Formation of Inquiry Committee

Amid mounting public pressure and the seriousness of the situation, Chief Conservator of Forests (Hazara) Saleem Khan constituted a high-level inquiry committee comprising experts and neutral officers under the leadership of Conservator of Forests Raees Khan.

The committee has been tasked with conducting an on-site inspection, counting the stumps of felled trees, and examining the relevant official records.

Meanwhile, Provincial Secretary for Forests Junaid Khan has taken serious notice of the matter and summoned all relevant forest officers from Hazara Division to Peshawar to explain the situation and demonstrate transparency in the logging operations.

Questions Surrounding the Tourist's Change of Statement

A new development emerged when social media users pointed out that Danish Abbasi, the trekker who recorded the video, initially highlighted indiscriminate tree felling but issued a clarification the following day.

Social media users and environmental activists are questioning whether the clarification, issued within 24 hours, was voluntary or whether it was allegedly influenced by powerful local figures and the timber mafia.

Serious Questions Over Timber Auctions and Transparency

The most significant concern relates to transparency in the Forest Department's operations and how alleged violations of the law could take place either under official supervision or with the alleged patronage of influential individuals.

Under government regulations, timber harvested from community-owned Guzara forests is transported to designated timber sale depots, including those in Havelian and Mansehra, established by the Forest Department.

The timber is then sold through open auctions under the supervision of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Development Corporation (KPFDC), with a significant portion of the proceeds, reportedly between 60 and 80 percent, distributed among local forest owners.

However, questions are being raised about the verification process at checkpoints. When a transit pass is issued for transporting timber from a forest, how do checkpoint officials verify that the wood loaded onto vehicles actually comes from the 360 specifically authorized trees?

Concerns have also emerged that thousands of trees could allegedly be felled and transported from the mountains under the cover of a single permit.

Risk of Environmental Catastrophe

Environmental experts and local residents warn that tree felling in ecologically sensitive mountainous areas such as Allai and Shamshir valleys could have devastating consequences.

On mountain slopes, tree roots help anchor soil and rocks while facilitating the absorption of rainwater into the ground. The loss of these trees could significantly increase the risk of flooding and landslides during the upcoming monsoon season.

Moreover, a decline in groundwater levels could cause natural springs, which serve as the primary source of drinking water for local communities, to dry up permanently.

Experts also highlight a stark contradiction in government policy: while billions of rupees are reportedly spent on tree-planting campaigns, the destruction of centuries-old natural forests is simultaneously exposing the region to extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

Public Demand for Immediate Action

It remains to be seen whether the inquiry committee led by Conservator of Forests Raees Khan will conduct a concrete and impartial investigation on the ground or whether the matter, like previous timber controversies, will eventually be buried in official files.

Public and environmental circles are demanding an immediate halt to all tree felling and timber transportation in the area until the investigation is completed.

They are also calling for a transparent count of the felled trees, verified through satellite imagery, and for all officials and individuals found responsible to be held accountable.