Deforestation has reached alarming proportions in North Pakistan, especially in areas like Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir The dense forests in these areas which are important for ecosystems, water management and climate stability is being lost due to unsustainable practices and poor governance.
In 2020,?Pakistan?had?1.88 Mha?of natural forest, extending over?2.2%?of its land area. In?2023, it lost?367 ha?of natural forest, equivalent to?84.0 kt?of CO? emissions.
- Commercial logging: Illegal and unregulated logging has led to severe decline in forest cover. According to Global Forest Watch, Pakistan lost about 2% of its trees cover area between 2001 and 2020.
- Agricultural Expansion: A vast amount of forest land is being cleared for agricultural use due to population growth and demand for food. We consume excess without recycling we cannot use our resources wisely and increase waste
- Infrastructure: Since Pakistan is a developing country and we are constructing roads, dams and urban projects which destroy the ecosystem, resulting in deforestation. For example, the widening of the Karakoram Highway has led to a severe loss of forests in Gilgit-Baltistan. Fuelwood: Communities rely heavily on wood for cooking and heating, which accelerates deforestation.
- Overgrazing: Overgrazing by animals in uncultivated areas of forest hampers the natural regeneration of trees and contributes to long-term deforestation
- Climate Change: Loss of forests increases carbon emissions. According to a UNDP Pakistan report, deforestation is responsible for rising temperatures and unpredictable weather. It is having an impact on current rainfall, urban flooding's and ice melting
- Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation has affected most of the forest animals, birds and other living creatures as it affects their livelihoods and homes. species such as the Himalayan monal and the snow leopard are destroyed.
- Soil Erosion: Deforestation has led to increased soil erosion, affecting agricultural productivity and causing landslides.
- Water Scarcity: Forests play a key role in water regulation. Their loss reduces water availability downstream, impacting both agriculture and domestic use.
- Afforestation Initiatives: Projects like the Billion Tree Tsunami have shown promise, but they require sustained efforts and monitoring to sure its impact.
- Strengthening Policies: The implementation of stricter forest conservation laws and penalties for illegal logging is crucial.
- Community Engagement: Educating and involving local communities in sustainable forest management can reduce reliance on destructive practices.
- Renewable Energy Alternatives: Promoting solar and biogas solutions can reduce dependency on fuelwood.
Deforestation in Northern Pakistan is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By addressing the root causes and implementing sustainable solutions, Pakistan can protect its forests and the countless benefits they provide for future generations. Let us act now to safeguard our environment and fulfill our responsibility as stewards of nature.
