KARACHI – A case of alleged illegal tree cutting and wood selling has emerged at the Government Degree Boys College, Gulistan-e-Johar, an institution under the Provincial Department of College Education situated adjacent to the University of Karachi.
According to reports, the college administration initially expressed ignorance regarding the incident. In response, the Regional Directorate of Colleges has established a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate the matter.
The Incident
The unauthorized activity reportedly took place on Sunday, taking advantage of the weekly holiday. Several trees located at the backside of the college premises were chopped down. Eyewitness accounts and viral footage suggest that the timber was loaded onto a motorized rickshaw and transported out of the college. A video circulating on social media shows the wood being hauled away. In the video, the individual transporting the timber claims that the permission for felling the trees was granted by the college principal. However, it remains unclear which principal (morning or evening shift) allegedly gave the orders.
Contradicting Claims
College sources have offered a different perspective, claiming that the trees had caught fire a few days ago and were rendered useless. However, the wood visible in the viral video does not appear to be charred or burnt, raising further suspicions of foul play.
The Investigation
Regional Director Colleges, Gulab Rai, has mandated the fact-finding committee to submit a detailed report within three days. The committee is led by Convener Professor Nasir Iqbal (Principal, Adamjee Govt Science College), alongside members Abdul Khaliq Rajpar (Principal, Govt Degree Boys College Sachal Goth) and Hussain Farooq Khan (Assistant Director).
Scope of Inquiry
The committee is tasked with conducting an on-site inspection of the college to determine the exact number of trees felled and their actual condition. They will also interview college staff to identify those responsible and investigate why environment-friendly trees were cut down if they posed no hazard. The Regional Directorate has emphasized that strict action will be taken based on the committee’s findings to ensure accountability within the educational institution.
