A number of Nangarhar civil society activists gathered on Saturday in Jalalabad city in protest over illegal logging in the eastern zone of the country where they called on the National Unity Government (NUG) to take action against the practice.  

The activists accuse local officials and syndicates of being involved in the illegal logging and smuggling of wood.

“Not only is the Kunar provincial governor and other local officials involved in illegal logging but Kunar’s people representatives (MPs) are also involved,” said Idres civil society activist.

“Logging of forests is like killing of one person by another person,” said Gham Sharik another activist.

“According to article 15 of the constitution the government is obliged to save forests and public property and we want the government to implement this article,” said Abasin Bahir another activist.

However, Kunar governor Wahidullah Kalimzai rejected the allegations against him, while Nangarhar’s governor Gulab Mangal said Daesh is chopping down forests in Nangarhar as a source of income.

“From the day I started working as the governor I have prevented illegal logging and I will continue in the future. I am committed to this but there is no evidence or proof to show my involvement or show that I am not preventing illegal logging,” said Kalimzai.

“In the areas where the Afghanistan enemies and Daesh exist there is no doubt that they are looting our public property and buy weapons from the money to use against Afghanistan people,” said Gulab Mangal Nangarhar’s governor.

Meanwhile the activists criticized the recent decision of the council of ministers regarding the export of wood products from Kunar to other provinces.  

The activists believe that the decision is leading to illegal logging in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan.