Pakistan, Aug. 8 -- The government has called on timber traders to support local forest development to reduce Pakistan's heavy reliance on imported wood. Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan made this appeal during a meeting with the All Pakistan Timber Traders Association (APTTA) on Friday. He promised government support in solving key issues affecting the timber trade.

During the meeting, APTTA Chairman Muhammad Sharjil Goplani highlighted several challenges. These included banking delays, shipment problems, permit issues, and documentation hurdles. He also mentioned problems with the Department of Plant Protection. Goplani stressed that only 1.9% of Pakistan's land is forested, far below what is needed to meet demand.

In response...