Serious environmental concerns have emerged after a key legislative move in Punjab. The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Forests and Wildlife has approved three amendment bills permitting mining activities in protected forests and wildlife habitats.
The committee, chaired by Chaudhry Akhtar Abbas Bosal, unanimously cleared the proposed legislation. The approved bills include the Punjab Protected Areas Amendment Bill 2026, the Forests Amendment Bill 2026, and the Punjab Wildlife Protection and Management Amendment Bill 2026.
According to officials, the Punjab Government aims to promote economic growth by expanding the mining sector. The amendments would allow mineral extraction in designated conservation zones under strict regulatory oversight. Authorities argue that existing environmental laws have long hindered investment and development in the mining industry.
The proposed changes seek to revise key legal frameworks. These include the Forest Act 1927, the Punjab Protected Areas Act 2020, and the Punjab Wildlife Act 1974. Officials believe the updated laws will remove legal barriers while ensuring better regulation of mining activities. They also aim to align provincial regulations with the national mineral policy and curb illegal mining.
However, environmental experts have expressed serious concerns. Hammad Naqi, Director-General of the World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan, described the move as a “total disaster.” He warned that allowing mining in protected areas could cause irreversible damage to biodiversity and weaken conservation efforts.
Experts argue that reclassifying protected zones may threaten fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats. They also fear that the decision could undermine Pakistan’s climate commitments and increase deforestation. Environmentalists stress that forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change.
Supporters of the amendments say the reforms will promote responsible resource utilization and boost economic development in Punjab. They emphasize that projects of national importance will be carefully monitored to minimize environmental risks.
The bills will now be presented before the provincial assembly for final approval. Once passed, they will be sent to the governor for assent before becoming law.
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The development is expected to spark debate among policymakers, environmentalists, and civil society. As Punjab moves forward, balancing economic progress with environmental protection remains a critical challenge.
