RizwanNiazi, Additional General Secretary of PTI Sindh, has emphasized the need to reclaim the 2.8 million acres of forest land in Sindh, which are currently under illegal occupation. He urged immediate action to restore these forests, especially in the face of climate change. Niazi highlighted that deforestation in Sindh has led to a significant increase in heat intensity, resulting in numerous heatstroke-related deaths and the emergence of deadly diseases. Niazi pointed out that districts like Khairpur, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Thatta, Larkana, Ghotki, and Kashmore and others are among the regions where over 2.8 million acres of forest land have been vacated and illegally occupied.
He expressed concern that with ongoing deforestation, Sindh is losing the battle against global warming. Many projects aimed at restoring the original state of forests in Sindh have become inactive due to corruption, he added. The forested area in Sindh has reduced by 80%, with only 100,000 acres remaining, he claimed.
The cleared forest land has been converted into agricultural land and residential colonies. Niazi called for the forest lands in Sindh to be declared as national assets and protected zones to prevent further deforestation and illegal occupation. He urged the Supreme Court to take immediate suomotu action against the illegal occupations and initiate legal proceedings against the involved officers and land mafias.
