By: Hafiz ullah Storai Sherani | May 20, 2025
Over the past few days, Pakistan has witnessed a troubling rise in forest fires, with Balochistan being hit the hardest. Fires have erupted in Qila Saifullah and Ziarat — both home to precious and ancient juniper forests — causing major environmental damage.
Qila Saifullah: Over 1,700 Acres Burned
In the Spinghar mountains of Qila Saifullah, a fire broke out suddenly on Sunday evening and quickly spread due to strong winds. With limited equipment and rough terrain, local residents, forest officials, and PDMA teams worked tirelessly for 24 hours to bring it under control.
Authorities estimate that more than 1,700 acres of forest, including centuries-old juniper trees and grasslands, have been destroyed.
Ziarat’s World-Famous Junipers Under Threat
Not long after the Qila Saifullah blaze, another fire began in the Khusnob area of Ziarat. This district is home to the second-largest juniper forest in the world. Officials report that the fire has already spread over 2 kilometers, burning at least 25 old juniper trees.
Fires Reported in Islamabad and Malakand Too
Similar incidents were reported near Islamabad’s Margalla Hills, where over 70 firefighters joined efforts to stop the fire. In Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, fire broke out in a hilly area with no road access, forcing rescue teams to hike to the scene.
According to Global Forest Watch, Pakistan has recorded more than 1,200 wildfire alerts in 2025 so far, with 111 alerts from Balochistan alone — a sharp increase from previous years.
Most Fires Caused by Human Activity
Forest officials say many of the fires in Balochistan are linked to human negligence. “People light fires during picnics or while grazing animals, and strong winds cause them to spread,” said Niaz Kakar, a senior forest officer.
“There is not a single firefighting helicopter or aircraft in Pakistan,” he added. “Meanwhile, countries like Turkey have dozens dedicated just for forests.”
Kakar said the department has requested funding from the government — around Rs. 100 million — for better equipment and early-warning systems, but the proposal is still pending.
The Forest Department is trying to contain the fire, but a lack of firefighting tools is slowing their efforts.
A Warning from the Past
In 2022, a massive wildfire in Balochistan’s pine forests destroyed nearly 800,000 trees and killed three people. That fire lasted for two weeks and required international assistance to control.
Experts warn that without urgent action, Pakistan could lose more of its natural forests — and the biodiversity that depends on them.
