Once again, nature’s vibrant greenery in Qaisaghur, nestled within the majestic Koh-e-Sulaiman mountain range, is under siege by flames. The fire that broke out in the natural forest threatens not just the environment, but the livelihoods and safety of local residents. The flames, which continue to spread with growing intensity, are engulfing the olive trees that form part of the region’s natural wealth. As the situation worsens, it highlights not only the need for immediate action but also the importance of long-term fire prevention strategies in the Sherani region.
This is not an isolated incident. On May 18, 2022, a deadly wildfire ravaged the Sherani Forest, claiming the lives of three people and decimating thousands of pine trees. The recurrence of such catastrophic fires should raise serious concerns about the existing infrastructure and preparedness of local authorities in dealing with such emergencies. While local residents and the district administration have rightly appealed for prompt action, it is clear that a more structured and proactive approach is needed to prevent such tragedies from becoming an annual occurrence.
The latest update on the situation indicates that despite the best efforts of the Levies Force, the Forest Department, and local residents, the difficult terrain of Sherani poses a significant challenge. Vehicles are unable to reach the affected areas, hampering response efforts. Additionally, the unpredictable winds that cause the fire to reignite make it even harder to contain. The dispatch of fireballs as a precautionary measure is a positive step, but this highlights a reactive approach to the crisis, rather than a preventive one.
While these efforts are commendable, they come with lessons that cannot be ignored. Sherani, with its rich biodiversity and forest cover, should not be left vulnerable to recurring wildfires. The 2022 disaster was a wake-up call, and this recent fire should serve as a reminder that without strong preventive measures, the region will continue to face environmental and economic devastation. The forests of Sherani are not only a natural treasure but also a vital resource for the local population. Forest fires do more than destroy trees; they disrupt ecosystems, devastate wildlife, and undermine the livelihoods of people who depend on the land.
The government and relevant authorities must invest in modern firefighting infrastructure, including the establishment of watchtowers, the deployment of aerial fire monitoring systems, and rapid response units equipped with necessary tools to deal with such difficult terrains. Public awareness campaigns focusing on forest fire prevention should be rolled out to educate locals on how to reduce the risk of fires. Additionally, a comprehensive plan for reforestation and the preservation of these endangered forest areas should be developed and implemented.
In a broader context, this fire is a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of Pakistan’s natural habitats to environmental disasters. Climate change, combined with a lack of adequate preparedness, is making such incidents more frequent and severe. It is crucial that Pakistan adopts sustainable environmental policies, both at the provincial and national levels, to safeguard its forests and other natural resources.
As the fire continues to rage in Qaisaghur, we must act swiftly. The immediate focus must be on containing the blaze and preventing further damage. However, once the fire is extinguished, attention must turn to long-term strategies to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The people of Sherani, and the natural world they coexist with, deserve more than just reactive measures—they deserve protection, foresight, and sustainable planning. Only then can we hope to preserve our forests for future generations and prevent the repeat of this devastating cycle.
