Adam Khan Wazir Wana
In a poignant plea for financial relief, employees of the South Waziristan Forest Department are demanding the release of their long-overdue salaries, which have been withheld for the past eighteen months. This dire situation has left their households in turmoil, with many struggling to even keep their stoves lit.
The affected employees, who were recruited for the ambitious Tsunami ten billion trees mega project initiated several years ago, have found themselves in dire straits due to the cessation of their wages. Watchmen, laborers, and other staff members across the two tribal districts of South Waziristan, Lower and Upper Waziristan, have been enduring immense financial hardship, compounded by the refusal of local shopkeepers to extend further credit to feed their families.
Despite their integral role in forest conservation and plantation campaigns, these employees find themselves abandoned, with their basic needs unmet. Their commitment to environmental stewardship has been met with neglect, as they struggle to make ends meet amidst the prolonged salary freeze.
Desperation looms large among the forest department workers as they contemplate the looming specter of abandoning their duties if their demands for timely payment are not met.
In response to inquiries, South Waziristan Divisional Forest Officer, Wehdat Zeeshan, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing empathy for the plight of his employees. He revealed efforts made to secure the release of the outstanding salaries, citing persistent communication with higher authorities. However, the root cause of the salary impasse lies in the shortage of funds, delaying the much-needed disbursement.
Assurances were given by Zeeshan that every effort is being made to expedite the release of withheld salaries, with a commitment to equitable distribution among the affected employees once the necessary funds are received.
