16/08/2026
KILLA SAIFULLAH — In a major step to protect local natural resources, the Forest Department and local police successfully wrapped up a five-day joint operation against the illegal cutting and smuggling of ephedra in the Torghar region.
Carried out from August 12 to August 16 across the mountainous areas of Shahzai, Karimzai, Kowander, and Tublai, the operation relied on round-the-clock monitoring and strategic checkpoints set up by dedicated forest officers to block smuggling routes. During the crackdown, law enforcement officers successfully seized over 30 large bags of illegally harvested ephedra. Due to the extreme steepness of the terrain, which made transporting the heavy bags back down impossible, officials followed official guidelines by burning the confiscated plants directly on the spot.
Following the operation, the Deputy Conservator of Forests issued a strict warning to local residents, emphasizing that the cutting, collecting, or selling of ephedra is entirely illegal and that violators will face immediate arrest and imprisonment. The crackdown was executed under the direct supervision of Secretary Forest Imran Gachki, Chief Conservator of Forests (North) Ali Imran, and Conservator of Forests (Zhob Division) Syed Sharaf-u-Din Agha. The Forest Department has announced that regular patrols and monitoring will continue across the district to safeguard the environment and prevent future illegal activities