A month ago, I highlighted the devastating forest fires in Nakyal and the destruction they left in their wake. Unfortunately, not only has the situation persisted, but it has also intensified, posing a serious threat to the region's natural beauty and ecological balance.
Nakyal's Unique Natural Heritage
Nikyala, a picturesque part of the Mirpur Division, is renowned for its lush forests and vibrant biodiversity. The dense pine trees and diverse plant species make it a haven for wildlife and an asset for the environment. However, this natural treasure is under siege due to the collusion of land mafias, the Forest Department, and local administration. Illegal encroachments, unchecked deforestation, and now fires have accelerated this ecological tragedy.
The Fires: A Grim Reality
In January 2025 alone, I witnessed more than a dozen forest fires across Nakyal. Particularly devastating is the fire in the Jhalkha forest, a haven for native flora and fauna, including peacocks and mountain goats, which has been burning for three consecutive days. Similarly, Nargal Kareela's forest burned for two days before extinguishing.
The response from the Forest Department has been painfully slow and disorganized. Despite their responsibility to act swiftly, officials were seen deliberating over phone calls even after the fires had been raging for days. A few sincere employees attempted to douse the flames but eventually gave up due to exhaustion and lack of support.
Administrative Inaction and Neglect
No legal action has been taken against those responsible for the fires. The Forest Department has shown a lack of seriousness in addressing this crisis, with officials only reacting after receiving instructions from higher-ups. The local administration, including the Assistant Commissioner and Tehsildar—who are part of committees tasked with forest protection—have remained silent, often claiming jurisdictional limitations when forest encroachment cases reach their desks.
Systemic Failures in Judicial Oversight
Forest-related cases face significant challenges in the current judicial setup. Forest magistrates operate from distant courts, making it financially and logistically burdensome for locals to pursue justice. To address this, forest cases should be brought under the jurisdiction of civil judges to ensure easier access to justice and more effective accountability.
Apathy of Society and Community Leaders
Community leaders, including religious scholars, journalists, lawyers, and traders, have largely remained indifferent to this crisis. Their silence and inaction have exacerbated the problem, leaving the region vulnerable to further destruction.
The Role of Political Exploitation
Political parties, including the Pakistan People's Party, Pakistan Muslim League-N, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have prioritized their political gains over environmental preservation. Forests have become bargaining chips for votes, with parties enabling encroachments and illegal activities in exchange for political loyalty. The ruling elite and their supporters have sold off valuable forest lands, including parts of the National Park Khandial, for personal gain.
Impact of Population Pressure and Encroachments
Another contributing factor to the deforestation in Nakyal is the settlement of displaced populations from the ceasefire line. Numerous colonies have encroached upon forest lands, shrinking the green cover. These encroachments, both by locals and outsiders, continue unabated, further threatening the environment.
The Way Forward: Youth and Change
The responsibility now lies with the educated youth of Nakyal to challenge the traditional political system and provide a genuine alternative. The current leadership's lack of vision and prioritization of short-term gains have left the region vulnerable to long-term ecological and societal disasters. Only a scientifically grounded and politically mature leadership can uproot this system and prevent further destruction.
Written by: Shah Nawaz Ali Sher Advocate – Secretary General, Bar Association Nakyal, Member Joint Awami Action Committee
Edited by: Waheeda Jammu Kashmiri – Former President JFJK
