Government would announce a comprehensive National Forest Policy within next two months, which is a part of the Draft Environment Policy envisaging a safeguard of economic growth and food security in the country. According to an official source, the government will be carrying out intensive institutional and legal reforms both at the federal and provincial levels to promote good forest governance. Social forestry and integrated watershed management will be promoted side by side encouraging farm forestry and irrigated plantations, the sources said.
"Special feature of the policy is to eliminate all sorts of import duties on timber products, taking into account the environmental sensitivities of neighbouring Afghanistan," the sources disclosed.
The new policy also focuses on development and sustainable management of the riverine forests along with irrigated plantations and tree plantation on farmlands.
According to estimates, a bulk of 29 million cubic feet wood is cut across the country every year and sincere efforts were needed to protect the forests and discourage this trend.
"Measures will be taken to preserve unique forests ecosystems and the cultural heritage of people of Pakistan," the sources said.
Existing forestry research and training institutions will be strengthened with adequate infrastructure and technical manpower development.
Inhabitants of the forest areas will be provided alternative sources of energy, like piped natural gas, LPG, solar energy and micro-hydel power stations to reduce the pressure on natural forests, and to substitute firewood in the upland ecosystems.