FORESTS OF PAKISTAN

RASHME ADIL
TEACHER
O- LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES
(2059/0448) BEACONHOUSE
MARGALLA ISLAMABAD [BMIB]
 RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB

FORESTS OF PAKISTAN
An extensive area with trees and undergrowth.
WOOD is in natural shape while TIMBER is the modification of wood for different purposes.
LUMBERING is the business of cutting, preparing and trading timber.
Productive forests:
• Natural forests
• Have thick canopy
• Have high commercial value, yielding valuable timber.
Protection forests:
• Man-made forests
• Also known as linear plantations, planted in a line along roads, rivers, canals, railway
lines, parks.
• They are evenly spaced.
Importance of forests:
Economic importance.
• Source of employment for people such as forest guides/ guards, people work in forest
department and timber industry etc. This helps to generate revenue and improve life
standards of the people.
• Source of raw material in various industries such as sports industry, construction industry,
furniture industry, paper industry etc.
• Used for medicinal purposes by pharmaceutical industry such as Ephedra.
• Promotes tourism and recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, photography etc.
• Improves balance of trade through selling/ export of forest-based products.
• Source of fruits such as apples, oranges etc.
Environmental importance
• Roots of the trees hold the soil together, preventing soil erosion which further leads to
siltation in dams and increased surface run off that leads to more chances of floods.
• Provides natural habitat for wildlife.
• Decomposition of leaves help in humus formation which maintains the fertility of the soil.
• Checks pollution and cleans the environment by consuming carbon dioxide and producing
oxygen.
• Helps to reduce desertification by regulating the water cycle flow.

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 RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB

Determinants
Factors determining the type and distribution of forests are:
1. Climate
low rainfall does not support dense vegetation, hence shrubs, thorny bushes and scattered
sparse vegetation is present in these areas.
In areas of high rainfall, there is dense growth of trees with evergreen forests, such as
coniferous in the Northern areas.
High/ hot temperatures have sparse vegetation which is generally characterized by
thorny, leathery leaves.
Cold/ low temperatures have thick barks to withstand strong winds and low temperatures
and are cone shaped to avoid accumulation of snow on them such as Alpine and Coniferous
in the Northern areas.

2. Edaphic factor/ soil type.

The density and distribution of trees is also dependent on the soil type, its composition,
pH value of soil.
All type of trees cannot grow in saline/salty soil. Only mangroves can grow in sea water
as they are salt tolerant and their roots filter out most of the salt from the water they absorb
while excessive salt is excreted by the leaves.
Fertile soil support dense vegetation with thick undergrowth while thin soil has sparse and
scattered vegetation as found in the Balochistan plateau and desert areas of Pakistan.
3. Altitude
Areas with different altitudes have different type of forest cover. High altitudes have thin
soil, limiting forest cover while low altitudes such as the Indus plain has thick fertile soil
that support dense vegetation.
Types of Forests in Pakistan
1. Alpine Forests
• Scattered in the Northern areas.
• Have stunted growth.
• Roots spread sideways on thin soil to absorb nutrients.
• Leaves are needle like and they are low heighted trees due to lack of sunlight and
exposure to low temperatures.
• Used as fuelwood only with limited economic importance.

2. Coniferous Forests
• Distributed in the Northern areas, KPK (Mansehra, Abbottabad, Swat etc),
Islamabad, Murree and in Quetta and Kalat.
• These trees have characteristics that enable them to survive in cool, hilly areas:
• They are cone shaped to prevent accumulation of snow on them.
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 RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB

• Thick bark to protect against strong winds

• Cones protect the seeds during very low temperatures.
• Leaves are needle like to reduce moisture loss.
• Tall trunks to attain maximum sunlight.
• Are evergreen to survive low temperatures and prevent energy loss.
• Long spreading roots for strong hold on the slopes.
• Long spreading roots to tolerate height and weight of the tree.
• Have high commercial and economic value:
• Add to the scenic beauty and promote tourism
• Prevent surface run off and soil erosion.
• Good breeding grounds for various species of birds and wildlife.
• Important and valuable source of timber for wood industry.
• Keeps the environment fresh and climate pleasant.
• Common species include Pine, Juniper, Fir.

3. Tropical Thorn/Rakh Forests

• Found in hot and dry areas of Punjab and Sindh plains, southern and western
Balochistan and desert areas of Pakistan.
• Low forests with thorny hardwood species.
• Have deep roots to reach groundwater.
• Mostly are deciduous trees that shed leaves during autumn.
• Have waxy coating on leaves to prevent water loss.
• Low height trees, generally 6 to 10 meters.
• Used as firewood and fuelwood.

4. Sub-Tropical Scrub Forest

• Found on foothills of Himalayas, Sulaiman Kirthar ranges and Western
mountains.
• Dry evergreen trees with few deciduous species.
• Have thorny plants, species of wild grass and herbs.
• Used as firewood, as grazing grounds, prevents surface run off and soil erosion
and source of raw material for cottage and pharmaceutical industries.

5. Riverain/Bela Forests
• Linear plantations found along River Indus and its tributaries.
• Important species are Babul and Shisham.
• Have valuable wood which is used in furniture, sports and transport industry for
making various hand tools and implements.
• Have tall trees with thick canopy.

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 RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB

6. Mangrove Forests
• Coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan in the Indus and Hab delta.
• Low trees generally 3meters.
• Have broad leaves
• Internal tissues are salt tolerant that filter out most of the salt from the water
they absorb
• The remaining salt is excreted through the leaves to the surface.
• Have gnarled and knobbly knees that remain on the surface for oxygen.
• These trees are a source of firewood and timber for local people.
• Protect coastline from erosion, cyclones, high tides and storms.
• Act as a breeding ground for fish and shrimps.
• Some of the trees produce honey.
• Source of fodder for animals and livestock.

7. Irrigated Plantations
• Are man-made plantations.
• These forests are grown with the help of irrigational facilities.
• Mostly found in plains of Punjab and Sindh.
• Are planted in a row or line with same species together.
• Are equally spaced and do not have a thick canopy.
• These trees are planted to:
• Prevent erosion and surface run off
• Create habitat for birds and wildlife.
• Reduce air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide ad producing oxygen.
• Provide shade.
• Provide fuelwood and firewood, timber for wood-based industries.
• For scenic beauty.
Advantages:
• Generates employment to people in forest related jobs
• Provides shade and lowers the temperature
• Gives a fresher cleaner look to the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide
and giving out oxygen.
• Source of timber for wood-based industries.
• Source of food, fruit and shelter for animals and people.
• Source of water cycle
• Prevents soil erosion, siltation and waterlogging and salinity.
• Adds to scenic beauty and promotes tourism.
• Fallen leaves are a source of humus formation which enrich the soil.

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 RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB

Disadvantages:
• Loss of land for settlements, industries, farming and other uses.
• Illegal cutting of trees is difficult to check.
• Long term investment and does not give quick profits.
• Need water for irrigation putting extra burden on the available water sources.
• High initial cost and maintenance cost.
By-Product of Forests/Minor Products
RESIN: Used in the production of varnishes and turpentine oil.
MAZRI: Used in the making of baskets, mats and packing material.
EPHEDRA: Used in the pharmaceutical factories as herbal medicine.
Deforestation:
• The extensive cutting of trees.
• Area covered by forests is small in Pakistan, estimating to only 4.8% in 2022 while for a
healthy environment, the country on an average should be 20 to 25% forest cover.
Causes:
• Wood is used as firewood in the Northern areas and remote areas of Pakistan where
the natural gas supply is limited.
• Forests are cleared for farming to meet the domestic needs and for commercial
purposes.
• Urbanization is taking at a fast pace and to make new housing societies,
infrastructural projects such as development of roads and buildings, huge forest
cover is cleared.
• For the expansion of roads, bridges and motor ways, rail track, forests are cut.
• Forests are cut to provide raw material to the furniture industry and other wood-
based industries such as sports goods, chipboards, construction material etc.
• Forests are cut down and replaced with economic activities such as mining, farming
and development of industries and dry ports etc.
Effects:
• Soil erosion takes place which increase siltation in dams, barrages. This reduces
water storage holding capacity of dams, increasing the risk of floods. Canals are
blocked and fisheries in the water bodies are affected disrupting fishing industry
and affecting the water supply.
• Increased surface run off on mountain slopes increasing the risk of flash floods,
destroying crops, damaging roads and property etc.
• Loss of natural scenic beauty decreasing tourism and affecting local business and
leading to unemployment for the local people.

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RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB
 RASHME ADIL TEACHER O LEVEL PAKISTAN STUDIES (2059/0448) BMIB

• Loss of important herbs and shrubs, effecting the pharmaceutical industry and
loss of wild life habitat resulting in extinction of species.
• Less rain as less evapo transpiration, increasing the risk of climate change and
droughts.
• Increases air pollution as no trees to filter the atmosphere that absorb carbon
dioxide.
• Increased surface run off and soil erosion results in leaching which is the removal
of important nutrients and minerals from the soil, making it infertile.
• Limited raw material for the wood-based industries, resulting in negative balance
of trade.
• Increased risk of mud sliding, land sliding and avalanches on mountain slopes.
Solutions:
• Reforestation and afforestation projects should be encouraged and initiated.
Commercial species of trees that grow quickly should be planted.
Reforestation is the growing of trees in a deforested area while afforestation is
the growing of new trees on barren land/ turning of a land in a forest.
• Providing natural gas in the remote areas and mountain areas of Pakistan.
• Reserve some land for fuelwood. This would put an end to random cutting of trees
and saving important species.
• Urban forestry should be encouraged by developing green belts along roads and
available spaces in the area.
• Contour ploughing reduce the effects of deforestation in mountain areas. Contour
ploughing is the planting of trees against the slope of the mountain.
• Expansion of irrigation facilities to provide water to the barren areas and support
small afforestation projects.
• Restricting the use of heavy machinery such as bulldozers which damage the small
trees.
• Creating public awareness by government agencies, community workers, NGOs
about the long-term effects of deforestation on environment.
• Encourage selective cutting of trees where selected dingle and groups of trees are
harvested. This will reduce crowding in the forest and promote growth of younger
trees.
• Strict laws and fines against the illegal cutting of trees.
• Forest managers should try to implement laws that will make forestry sustainable
in Pakistan. Sustainable Forestry means managing forest resources in a way that
it fulfills present needs and conserve resources for the future generation.
• Encourage agro forestry where trees and shrubs are grown in and around farming
and pasture areas.
• Encourage use of alternative sources to reduce wood in various industries, for
example use of aluminium for window panels, recycling of paper etc.
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• Improving growing techniques for quick results. Replacing traditional methods of

logging with modern techniques that reduce damage to forests.
Examples of Afforestation Projects in Pakistan
• The Billion Tree Tsunami Project was initiated in 2015.
It aimed to increase the forest cove in KPK and across the country. It managed to
increase forest cover, established nurseries in various parts of the country and
planted climate friendly species with the help of community and government
support.
• Punjab Green Development Programme was launched in 2019 by the
government of Punjab. It aimed on reforestation and afforestation activities to plant
trees in urban areas, along highways and major roads to improve air quality and
support Green Pakistan.
• Rechna Doab Afforestation Project focused on the Rechna doab and planted trees
in the region between River Chenab and River Ravi.
• Miyawaki Afforestation Method was initiated in Balochistan focused on the
planting of dense forests in small spaces especially in cities like Quetta, Gwadar to
increase green belt.

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