Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unveils plan to generate Rs 200b annually from forests

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has revealed plans to harness the economic potential of its vast forest reserves, aiming to generate an expected Rs 200 billion annually.

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This initiative, as communicated by provincial finance advisor Muzzammil Aslam, is related to the untapped wealth residing within the aged trees of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s forests. “We are aiming to auction these aged trees, leveraging the rich resources of our forests to bolster the economic landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Muzzammil Aslam said.

Speaking on the initiative, Aslam spoke on capitalising on the legacy of the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, which he says has significantly expanded forest cover across the province. “We must seize the opportunity presented by our forests,” he said.

Currently, forests blanket approximately 26 per cent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s territory, according to Muzzammil Aslam. This vast expanse of greenery not only serves as a natural treasure but also holds immense economic promise for the region.

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The proposed scheme aligns with broader environmental and economic objectives, aiming to foster sustainable growth while safeguarding the natural heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the finance advisor said.