Daily Times

Sir: Recently, the Balochistan provincial assembly passed a resolution that Ziarat, which houses the world’s second-largest forests after California, be developed as a popular tourist spot and also vowed to refurbish the hill station where Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had spent last days of his life.

In this resolution the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri made several announcements on this year’s Pakistan Day on March 23 and the beautification and development of Ziarat was already part of government projects.The provincial Minister, Abdul Rahim said that the natural beauty of Ziarat was in danger due to the absence of piped gas and so people were chopping down juniper trees for fuel and heating. If this continues, the barren landscape would hold no attraction for tourists.

The eradication of juniper trees would change the weather and topography of the area. Over 5,000 year old Juniper Forest, declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO, is being cut down to cook food. So, the chopping down juniper trees must be declared a crime.

So, if these measures are taken taken, they would bring a positive change for the people of Ziarat. The Balochistan chief minister and provincial assembly deserves to be commended for these measures.

SHAKEEL PHULLAN

Turbat