A controversy has erupted at the Degree College in Khairpur Nathan Shah over the cutting and sale of hundreds of trees worth millions of rupees from the college’s sports ground. The issue has led to a standoff between the college principal and staff, with both parties issuing statements against each other in the media. Environmental advocates have expressed sorrow over the felling of the trees.

The conflict centers on the large-scale cutting of trees in the sports ground area of the college. Clerk Abdul Khaliq Laghari and Principal Professor Nisar Ahmed Bhutto, along with the college administration, are at odds over the matter.

Speaking to the media, Abdul Khaliq Laghari alleged that Principal Nisar Ahmed Bhutto had the trees—worth millions of rupees—cut down and sold for profit.

He appealed to the Environment Department, Secretary of Colleges, Director General of Colleges, and the Deputy Commissioner of Dadu to launch a transparent inquiry into the matter and take action to save the remaining trees on the campus.

On the other hand, Principal Professor Nisar Ahmed Bhutto denied the allegations, stating that a few trees were becoming an obstacle in the construction of a walking track and a compound wall on one side of the sports ground.

He added that the tree cutting was done based on instructions from the Sports Department and after consultation with a committee of senior professors from the college administration.

Meanwhile, Mujeeb ur Rehman Abbasi, a private worker appointed by the contractor of the Sports Department, Syed Arsalan Shah, said the trees were causing seed fall onto the sports turf and were also creating problems in the repair of the compound wall.

He claimed that the principal had been informed about the issue three months ago, and following that, the trees were removed.