A large-scale deforestation event has been detected in the Sheringal area of Upper Dir after high resolution satellite data revealed extensive tree cover loss between 2019 and 2026.
According to the findings, nearly 66.58 hectares of natural forest have been cleared across 13 hotspot locations near Jatkool village in Sheringal. Environmental experts warned that the conversion of forest land into barren soil could lead to severe ecological degradation, threatening local wildlife, natural habitats and biodiversity.
Also read: Massive Deforestation Event In Upper Dir
Experts further cautioned that widespread tree cutting could increase the risk of landslides, soil erosion and water degradation in the mountainous region.
Samar Bilour of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government over the issue in a post on X.
She said that despite PTI’s claims of planting billions of trees under the Billion Tree Tsunami project, forests in Sheringal, Upper Dir had disappeared between 2019 and 2026. She added that satellite imagery clearly showed massive deforestation and ruthless cutting of mature trees in the area.
The Billion Tree Project was initiated by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. Now as per the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), there are 302 contractors who owe the government Rs33.5mn.
As per documents procured from NAB, these contractors entered into an agreement in which they were to purchase, supply and plant tree saplings. Despite taking the advance money from the they failed to fulfil their duties and are in default of Rs33.5mn.
The documents further stated that the KP government had claimed that 1 billion trees had been planted in the province however, only 250 million trees have been planted. Earlier, an inquiry had been ordered and an investigation is underway.
The documents also stated that the plants were not acquired as per market rate and were actually bought at a higher rate from nurseries who were not aware of the requirements.
According to NAB documents, there are currently six inquiries being made regarding the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, while one inquiry has been completed regarding the alleged corruption in the same project in Dera Ismail Khan.
Also read: 14 cops suspended over corruption, drug smuggling in KP’s Khyber district
