ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP):Environmental stakeholders, including students, social activists, lecturers, and lawyers, on Sunday called for urgent reforms to stop illegal forest fires and deforestation, warning of severe ecological damage amid rising climate change threats, including the loss of bird species and medicinal plants that are rapidly declining due to burning and tree cutting. Amid the devastating effects …
Experts call for emergency steps as forest fires, deforestation worsen climate change
ISLAMABAD, Jun 28 (APP):Environmental stakeholders, including students, social activists, lecturers, and lawyers, on Sunday called for urgent reforms to stop illegal forest fires and deforestation, warning of severe ecological damage amid rising climate change threats, including the loss of bird species and medicinal plants that are rapidly declining due to burning and tree cutting.
Amid the devastating effects of climate change, environmental stakeholders, including students, social activists, lecturers, and lawyers from AJK, made a strong and urgent appeal, calling for strict laws against illegal forest fires and tree cutting.
While expressing serious concerns during their interaction with PTV News, they urged stronger enforcement, public awareness campaigns, inclusion of environmental education at the school level, and the establishment of district forest protection committees.
They warned that unchecked deforestation is causing severe ecological damage, with forests, birds, and medicinal plants rapidly declining amid escalating climate change threats.
Lecturer Umer Kiyani highlighted that forest fires are increasing day by day, warning that nearly 43% of land under forest cover is being severely damaged due to illegal burning and tree cutting practices, adding that such activities are accelerating environmental degradation and long-term ecological loss.
He urged the introduction of environmental education at the primary level, emphasizing the need to educate students early about forest conservation to secure the future, and adding reforms in the education system to strengthen awareness and build a culture of environmental responsibility.
A student, Qasim Iftikhar from AJK, expressed concern and stressed the need for strong awareness campaigns on social media to highlight forest conservation, adding that forests are precious natural assets and their loss is worsening climate change impacts.
He urged youth to use digital platforms to promote awareness and support forest recovery and protection efforts.
A retired forest officer, Ijaz from AJK, emphasized the need to form district-level forest protection committees to improve forest conservation and monitoring.
He said plantation efforts must go beyond planting, stressing proper care and survival of trees to make them effective, adding strict punishments for individuals involved in setting forest fires or illegal tree cutting, stating that only strong legal action can help prevent continued environmental damage.
Lawyer Raja Imtiaz stated that although environmental laws exist and enforcement mechanisms are in place, the real challenge lies in education, mindset change, and proper care of trees after plantation.
He emphasized that planting trees alone is not enough unless they are protected and nurtured to maturity, adding that there is a need for greater public awareness and responsibility to ensure effective environmental protection.
They concluded that forest conservation would not only help increase tourism but also strengthen the local economy and create new livelihood opportunities.
They emphasized that protecting and expanding forest cover is vital for climate stability, biodiversity protection, and a healthier environment.
They further stated that tree plantation, combined with proper care and strict protection measures, is essential to secure a safe and sustainable future for the coming generations.
