Muzaffarabad – January 19, 2026 – Azad Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Forests, Wildlife, and Fisheries Sardar Javed Ayoub has strongly warned that individuals who deliberately set forests ablaze will be treated as “criminals against the nation” and face rigorous legal action.
The minister made the remarks during a press conference after inspecting a reforestation effort in the Kalgan area, northwest of Muzaffarabad, on Sunday. He appealed to citizens to join hands with authorities in combating and controlling forest fires during the current season.
وزیر جنگلات، وائلڈ لائف، فشریز سردار محمد جاوید ایوب خان نے یونین کونسل بلگراں میں محکمہ جنگلات کی جانب سے لگائے گئے جھینگ اور بلگراں بلاک کلوژر کا موقع پر جا کر معائنہ کیا۔
“جنگلات کا تحفظ صرف ماحولیات نہیں، ہماری نسلوں کی بقا کا سوال ہے۔ ہم ہر یونین کونسل میں عملی اقدامات کے… pic.twitter.com/KLQkpu9k1r
— Sardar Javed Ayoub (@JavedAyoub) January 17, 2026
Key Highlights
- Forest fire offenders to be punished as criminals against the nation.
- Crackdown already underway against those igniting fires.
- Public cooperation essential for effective fire prevention and control.
- Recent fires caused widespread damage due to prolonged drought.
- Forest Department staff on round-the-clock duty; no leaves allowed.
- Senior officials personally supervising firefighting in affected zones.
- Monthly community meetings organized for legal awareness on forest protection.
Forest Fire Crackdown and Public Role
Mr. Ayoub stressed that the Forest Department cannot tackle the crisis alone and requires active involvement from the public and other institutions. He described protecting forests as both a national duty and a religious obligation for every citizen.
Impact of Drought and Climate Challenges
He pointed out that this year’s drought has fueled devastating fires in recent weeks, inflicting lasting harm on human lives, wildlife, and natural ecosystems. The minister linked forest conservation directly to the global battle against climate change, noting that expanding tree cover remains the most practical countermeasure.
You May Like To Read: Rainwater Harvesting Systems Show Promising Results in Drought-Hit Quetta
Government Efforts and Community Engagement
Despite resource constraints, the AJK government is implementing firm measures to safeguard forests and curb fire incidents, Mr. Ayoub said. The department is coordinating with other agencies, while district forest officers conduct regular sessions with local communities to educate them on laws related to forest fires and resource damage.
The minister described AJK as a naturally fertile territory where boosting plantation is vital for environmental resilience. He urged widespread awareness campaigns to foster community ownership of forest protection.
With collective resolve from officials and citizens, AJK’s forests can be better shielded from recurring threats, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits for the region.
Check out our latest video:
