PESHAWAR — Expressing severe displeasure over the failure to restore and determine forest boundaries in the scenic Galiyat region, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has rejected a high-powered committee’s report, terming it a “sham” and an open violation of judicial orders.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Babar Sattar issued a written order summoning the Secretary for Climate Change, Forestry, Environment, and Wildlife Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside the Director General of the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), to appear in person on June 10, 2026. The court warned of direct legal action against both officials if they fail to comply.
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The case tracks back to a clear judicial directive issued by the PHC on November 25, 2025. The court had instructed the KP Forestry Secretary to lead a high-powered committee—including representatives from the Revenue Department, the Joint Water Board, and the DG GDA—to restore the original boundaries of the Galiyat forests using the Survey of Pakistan data from 2015-16 and 2020-21.
However, during the latest proceedings, the bench completely rejected the submitted progress report.
“The current report presented by the committee is a mere sham and an open violation of the court’s explicit directives. Stating that boundaries cannot be determined and demanding a new survey—despite already possessing the Survey of Pakistan data—demonstrates malafide intent and an evasion of responsibility.” — Peshawar High Court Written Order
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The bench added that the committee had not only wasted official government time but had also failed to execute its basic administrative duties.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
During the high-stakes hearing, a notable lineup of legal and departmental representatives appeared before the bench, including:
- Babar Khan Yousafzai (Counsel for the petitioner)
- Muhammad Shahzad Nawaz (Additional Advocate General)
- Taimur Ilyas (Conservator of the Forest Department)
- Barrister Awais Babar & Advocate Abdul Rahim Jadoon (Representing the GDA)
Following the sharp critique of the committee’s performance, the court issued formal notices to the top provincial leadership. The PHC adjourned further hearings until June 10, 2026, forcing a tight deadline for the provincial bureaucracy to address the ongoing forest encroachment issues in the tourism hub.
