{"id":100142,"date":"2025-10-19T23:59:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T23:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/ziarats-ancient-juniper-forest-pakistans-dying-natural-heritage-quetta-voice-breaking-news-english-news-technology-health\/"},"modified":"2025-10-19T23:59:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T23:59:04","slug":"ziarats-ancient-juniper-forest-pakistans-dying-natural-heritage-quetta-voice-breaking-news-english-news-technology-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/ziarats-ancient-juniper-forest-pakistans-dying-natural-heritage-quetta-voice-breaking-news-english-news-technology-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Ziarat\u2019s Ancient Juniper Forest: Pakistan\u2019s Dying Natural Heritage \u2022 Quetta Voice Breaking News, English News, Technology, Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Fareed Ullah Khan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nestled in the northeast of Balochistan, the scenic hill station of Ziarat \u2014 once known as Ghauski (meaning \u201ccold place\u201d in Pashto) \u2014 stands as one of Pakistan\u2019s most breathtaking natural treasures. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and ancient juniper trees, Ziarat\u2019s crisp air and cool climate make it a haven for tourists escaping the country\u2019s sweltering summer heat.<\/p>\n

But behind this beauty lies a crisis. The Ziarat Juniper Forest, once celebrated as the pride of Balochistan, is now on the brink of collapse \u2014 the result of climate change, deforestation, and government negligence.<\/p>\n

Asia\u2019s Largest Juniper Forest \u2014 A Natural Wonder in Peril<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ziarat Juniper Forest is no ordinary woodland. It is Asia\u2019s largest juniper forest and the second largest in the world, home to trees that are thousands of years old. Locally known as Sanober, these trees grow incredibly slowly \u2014 just one inch every two years. Some are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, making this forest a living natural museum and a vital part of Pakistan\u2019s ecological heritage.<\/p>\n

The junipers are not just trees \u2014 they are natural climate regulators, carbon sinks, and water cycle stabilizers. Yet, their survival is now threatened by the very communities who rely on them for survival.<\/p>\n

The Local Dilemma: \u201cWe Cut Trees Because We Have No Gas\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking to a local resident revealed the heartbreaking reality behind Ziarat\u2019s deforestation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not destroying the forest out of greed,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have no choice. The government claims we have gas connections, but there\u2019s no gas in the pipelines. It only flows when VIPs visit Ziarat \u2014 then it stops again.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the harsh winters, when temperatures drop below freezing, residents have no alternative but to cut juniper trees for firewood. Locals estimate that 600 to 1,000 juniper trees are cut down daily \u2014 a devastating rate given their centuries-long growth cycle.<\/p>\n

Climate Consequences: Disappearing Snow and Rain<\/strong><\/p>\n

The impact of this rapid deforestation is already visible. Over the past five years, rainfall and snowfall in Ziarat have drastically declined. According to recent reports, rainfall in Balochistan during April and May has dropped by nearly 57% since 2025.<\/p>\n

Experts warn that the juniper forest plays a key role in regulating rainfall and temperature in the wider region \u2014 including Quetta, Pishin, and Kalat. As the forest disappears, rising temperatures, soil erosion, and water shortages threaten both human life and biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Government Silence and Weak Enforcement<\/strong><\/p>\n

When asked about the crisis, PS Abrar, Personal Secretary at the Forest Department, admitted:<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one has permission to cut these trees under forest law. If it\u2019s happening, then it\u2019s a failure of our forest officers and local administration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similarly, Ibrahim Baloch, Director General of Climate Change in Balochistan, acknowledged:<\/p>\n

\u201cDeforestation is illegal. If one tree is cut, a thousand should be planted. Our department focuses on awareness, while the Forest Department handles enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, when asked whether awareness campaigns were conducted in Ziarat, he admitted none had taken place there yet \u2014 only in Quetta and other districts.<\/p>\n

Repeated attempts to reach the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for a statement were unsuccessful. The silence reflects a broader pattern of institutional neglect and lack of coordination.<\/p>\n

Ecological Importance: More Than Just Trees<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ziarat Juniper Forest sustains a fragile ecosystem \u2014 home to diverse wildlife and bird species that depend on these trees for shelter and food. The forest also prevents soil erosion, stores carbon, and regulates the local water cycle.<\/p>\n

For the people of Ziarat, the junipers represent heritage, resilience, and identity. One elderly resident summed it up poignantly:<\/p>\n

\u201cIf these trees disappear, Ziarat will lose its soul.\u201d<\/p>\n

Government Neglect and the Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n

Environmental protection has rarely been a national priority in Pakistan. In the latest provincial budget, only PKR 500 million (50 crore rupees) was allocated for climate change \u2014 an insignificant amount compared to the scale of the crisis.<\/p>\n

Experts emphasize immediate government intervention as essential to save the Ziarat Juniper Forest:<\/p>\n