PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared emergency after a raging fire at Koh-e-Sulaiman forest region for several.
A massive fire continues to rage world’s largest pine nut forest in southwestern Balochistan province of Pakistan for two weeks. The fire has destroyed hundreds of tress located on Koh-e-Sulamain, a mountain range that connects three Pakistani provinces Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, and displaced residents of nearby villages.
The first fire erupted on May 9 in Musakhail district and continued for over a week, consuming pine nut trees in a radius of 22 kilometers. A second blaze in the forest occurred on Wednesday night near Saraghalai area of district Sheerani. Three people lost their lives while attempting to put out the fire.
In a statement, Minister for Local Government Faisal Amin Khan said three people have died and four others injured after being trapped in fire. He said security forces, rescue organizations and locals are working tirelessly to contain major fire on Balochistan side while teams and machinery on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa side are also working to create access to the terrain area.
The minister said lack of water on site and steep cliffs make it extremely difficult for approach. He said pine and olive trees over 400 acres on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa side have been affected as the strong winds are enhancing intensity of the fire.
He said the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued instructions to all departments for cross border support to protect people and its natural resources.
Meanwhile, on the directives of Chief Minister Balochistan, the Chief Secretary has established a task force, led by Secretary Forest, to implement rescue and relief operations of extinguishing the fire on pine trees in district Sherani.
The task force will coordinate with federal and provincial departments, national and international donors for rehabilitation operations through appropriate channels. The task force will also assess damages of properties, loss of precious human lives and submit reports on daily basis.
