ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Gilgit-Baltistan has apprehended four officials of forest department of Gilgit-Baltistan for inflicting millions of rupees losses to the national exchequer.
The forest officials were involved in transportation of illegally cut timber during the Timber Disposal Policy 2013. They were also involved in cutting of forest during the ban periods, causing loss of Rs 225 million to the National Exchequer on account of non collection of fine. The accused persons were produced before the Accountability Court Gilgit on Nov 6 for obtaining physical remand.
The court handed over the accused persons to NAB custody for 14 days physical remand. The arrested accused persons include Saleem Ullah Khan (Divisional Forest Officer Astore), Muhammad Zamurad (Ex Conservator Gilgit, Qadar Dan former Range Forest Officer Thor and Fareed Ullah Khan Superintended Forest Department GB.
Further probe into the investigation is underway. It is expected that more officials /contractors and transporters may be arrested in near future.
