A wildfire in Balochistan’s Sherani district has devastated the forests of Shin Ghar, destroying precious pine nut and olive trees that serve as a primary source of livelihood for local communities. Despite ongoing efforts, the blaze has persisted for three days, threatening both the environment and the economic stability of the region.
Reports confirm the fire broke out in the mountainous area of Mraghbal Tora Morgah on Tuesday evening and continues to rage due to strong winds, complicating firefighting operations. Local residents, alongside Levies personnel, Frontier Corps (FC), and district authorities, are working tirelessly to contain the inferno. However, the challenging terrain and lack of aerial support are severely hampering progress.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has announced the deployment of rescue teams from Quetta to assist in controlling the fire. Local journalists report that residents are battling the flames with makeshift tools, but stress that aerial firefighting via helicopters is urgently needed to prevent further destruction.
United Business Group Balochistan Vice Chairman Asfandyar Khan Mandokhail highlighted the severity of the situation. Hundreds of families who rely on harvesting pine nuts and olives are at risk of losing their livelihoods as the fire continues to spread. He criticized the authorities for not yet deploying helicopters and recalled a similar wildfire three years ago, which inflicted significant losses on the community before being extinguished with the help of aerial support from Iran.
