The terrible wildfire in the Koh-e-Suleman mountain range was eventually put out on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to launch an investigation into the catastrophe and enact stricter measures to prevent future occurrences. The Shirani forest was been burning since a week ago after the area was struck by lightning, and it has already burned hundreds of trees dotting the mountain range, which connects Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and is home to the world’s largest pine nuts (chilgoza) forest.
Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, Chief Minister of Balochistan, praised the Forest Department, armed forces, Frontier Corps, PDMA, locals, and other concerned agencies for their hard efforts in extinguishing the fire.
Bizenjo also praised the Iranian government for dispatching a firefighter plane, which was instrumental in putting out the blaze. He went on to say that actions would be done to restore the devastated forest while also ensuring forest and wildlife conservation. Several forest fires in Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey were also put out by the Iranian Ilyushin Il-76 air tanker. Up to 40 tonnes of water can be launched into the air by the four-engine turbofan strategic air lifter.
Forest fires have killed at least three people and injured roughly five others, while thousands more farmers have lost their only source of income in the hilly terrain, which is home to the world’s largest pine forest. Bizenjo had already promised that each of the families of the three victims who died would receive Rs1 million and each of the injured would receive Rs500,000. He also stated that the federal government would declare compensation for the victims of the incident. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said last week in a statement, said:
“Although the fire is mostly on mountain tops (10,000 feet) far from population centres, it was still expanding due to hot weather, dry winds, and impassable terrain; the nearest village is around eight to ten kilometres away.”
Thanks to our Neighbour!
We are thankful to Iran for saving us from the massive disaster by lending its firefighter plane. Pakistan should have proper measures to control any such disasters in future.
