Punjab Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Malik Muhammad Asif has directed the officers of the department to evolve a comprehensive strategy for improving forest sector. He was presiding over a special meeting at Training Centre Manawan, here on Thursday. Secretary Forests Major Shahnawaz Badar (Retd), Chief conservators of the four zones of the province and other officers were also attended the meeting.
The minister said that forests can be more profitable than cultivation of crops for which there is a need of long term planning. He said that the land for forests cannot be enhanced in the province without providing proper guidance to the cultivators having interest in forestry. Malik Muhammad Asif said that a summary is being prepared for getting approval to acquire the services of magistrates for early disposal of cases relating to wood theft, grabbing government land and other malpractices.