Govt is taking concrete measures for the protection of forests and environment: CM Balochistan

By: Staff Reporter

QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri has said that forests are our assets and government is well aware about their importance, thus taking concrete measures for the protection of forests and environment. “Provincial Government would effectively implement National Policy for the protection of forests in the province,” he added.  

He expressed these views in a meeting with Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Climate change Zahid Hamid who called on him in Islamabad the other day. Federal Minister Retd General Abdul Qadir Baloch was also present in the meeting. The meeting discussed the implementation of national policy for protection of forests in Balochistan.

Federal Minister Zahid Hamid briefing Chief Minister Balochistan said that first time in the history of the country national policy had been evolved for the protection of forests, adding that federal government would provide funds to provinces for its implementation.

He said that after instruction of Prime Minister the protection of juniper forests of Ziarat and Harboi had been made a part of national policy. He said that for the protection of marine life and coastal areas, a comprehensive policy had been devised under which the protection two Islands Churna and Astola were also included in national policy.

He said that trawlers would not be banned for fishing in protected areas while the cooperation of Pak- Navy would also be sought for the protection of marine life.

The protection of pastures and their expansion in Balochistan were also discussed in the meeting and the federal minister assured every possible support in this connection.

Chief Minister Balochistan said that in accordance with Prime Minister’s Green Pakistan Program the juniper forests of Ziarat, Harboi and serious steps for the protection of wildlife and environment were being taken.

Welcoming the national policy for the protection of forest, he said, “Balochistan government is playing its role for safeguarding of forests and wildlife, national policy would be enforced with complete enthusiasm.”

Federal Minister assured that the issue of low gas pressure in Kalat and Zairat would be taken up with Federal Minister for Petroleum so that this issue should be addressed at the earliest and the chopping of forests could be stopped.  

Published in The Balochistan Point on March 24, 2017