ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration on Sunday prevented the spread of another forest fire on Margalla Hills into its territory, but the blaze that erupted in part of the hills located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province had yet to be fully extinguished, officials said, with experts warning of several environmental hazards of these annual fires.
The Margalla range, part of the Himalayan foothills, frequently experiences bush fires during the summer months. This month, several fires have occurred, largely due to the extreme heat wave affecting the South Asian region.
The latest fire incident occurred on the hills in KP on Saturday after authorities extinguished similar fires at three locations in Islamabad. Officials said the blaze in KP had a very “low intensity” and efforts were on to completely douse it.
“The latest situation is that the fire on the KP side is diminishing with each passing hour and getting less and less in intensity,” Shahzad Khalil, a Capital Development Authority (CDA) official who was supervising the firefighting operation, told Arab News.
He said CDA teams were working day and night to control fires, whenever they erupted on the hills, and the spread of the latest fire into Islamabad’s territory was prevented because of effective response by firefighters who remained on site through the night.
“It is a tough job because of the dense forest and they cannot take heavy equipment with them,” Khalil said. “They made fire lines to control the fire flow, and on the KP side, efforts are also underway to control the fire as we are helping them with all our resources.”
Fire lines, also known as firebreaks or fireguards, are gaps created to stop or slow the spread of a wildfire by removing the fuel that a fire needs to continue burning, thereby creating a barrier. Firefighters position fire lines around a wildfire’s perimeter to contain it and protect critical areas, or to redirect the fire to more manageable areas.
“All other institutions, including army and the National Disaster Management Authority, also take part in this effort as and when required,” he said.
More than 20 fires erupted on Margalla Hills from May 17 to May 31, but things were under control in the CDA’s territory, according to the official
These incidents could have resulted from accidental ignition due to dry conditions as well as “intentional arson by mischievous individuals.”
“We have filed around 15 police reports and have also apprehended three individuals on suspicion,” he said. “The law enforcement agencies are investigating all aspects.”
He said there were around 28 villages on Margalla Hills and the CDA had temporarily hired locals from these villages to assist in firefighting and safeguarding the area by increasing vigilance and providing additional security.
“We have hired 450 local people from the month of April for three months as a quick response force and our trained staff keep on guiding the locals in 37 pickets which we have established in this whole area,” Khalil said.
The future strategy will be to increase the number of pickets to enhance vigilance and promptly control fire in the event of an eruption, according to the CDA official.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said the administration had sensitized the local community to report any “mischievous elements” involved in such incidents.
“We have conducted meetings with people in nearby villages, gaining their trust and confidence, and we are hopeful that locals will report any individuals involved in fire incidents,” Memon told Arab News. “Our personnel are stationed at the pickets around the clock, ready to dispatch teams immediately to control any fires in the affected area.”
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL GROUP ON FOREST FIRES
Meanwhile, Romina Khurshid Alam, the prime minister’s coordinator on climate change, has established an inter-departmental working group (IWG) on forest fires in the Margalla Hills National Park, headed by Inspector General of Forests Ghulam Qadir Shah. The body comprising Islamabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mustafa Tanveer, the CDA director-general of environment and other officials will coordinate rapid response efforts across relevant departments and report directly to Alam.
“The idea was to ensure coordination among the most relevant agencies for an effective response to the fires, including CDA, NDMA, Rescue 1122, police, and the fire department,” Shah, the working group head, told Arab News.
During this dry season, he said, forest fires occur worldwide because the grass below is dry, and fires can start from anywhere at any time.
“Mainly, there is a human element involved, such as tourists making tea or warming food during picnics, discarding cigarette butts, and intentional acts by those involved in timber theft,” he said, adding the Ministry of Climate Change had developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) in 2022 for relevant departments to remain on alert during the season and prevent fires at the earliest.
“Due to this, our forestry departments have updated their mechanism, and created more fire lines, improving vigilance and so on, which has contributed to effective control of fires this year.”
The forest fires have occurred at a time when Pakistan has seen temperatures as high as 52.2 degrees Celsius (126°F) as South Asia swelters in a hot summer this year — a trend scientists say has been worsened by human-driven climate change.
‘TWO-FOLD IMPACT’
Experts say these annual fires are detrimental to the environment as they hinder biodiversity and disrupt the natural habitat of birds and animals.
“These fires have a two-fold impact on the environment. Firstly, they clear the vegetation of trees taking at least 10 years to regrow, and secondly, they generate smoke, leading to carbon dioxide emissions that degrade the environment,” Dr. Ghulam Rasul, head of the Climate Change Program’s International Union for Conservation of Nature, told Arab News.
He said this phenomenon was likely to exacerbate problems for the local population and lead to the suffering of biodiversity. To control these incidents, he said, the civic agencies should initiate an aggressive awareness campaign before the start of every summer season, targeting locals and tourists by involving academics, media and social media influencers.
“The campaign should highlight the damages caused by visitor negligence, emphasize the importance of environmental conservation, and stress the need for vigilance against criminals involved in starting fires and engaging in wood theft,” he added.
Maryam Shabbir, another environmental expert, said these fires adversely impacted the air quality, humans, wildlife residing in forests and birds along with disrupting hiking and other recreational activities on Margalla Hills.
“It is inevitable during summer to not have forest fires. However, proper and timely arrangements can save biodiversity,” she said, urging authorities to monitor the forest and use helicopters to control a fire as soon as it erupts.
Pakistan is seen by global organizations as one of the most vulnerable countries to extreme weather and climate change. In 2022, floods wreaked havoc in the country, killing over 1,700 people and displacing millions.
Efforts on to douse another fire on Margalla Hills as experts warn of environmental hazards
https://arab.news/9ktp9
Efforts on to douse another fire on Margalla Hills as experts warn of environmental hazards
- Part of the Himalayan foothills, Margalla range in Pakistan experiences bush fires relatively often in summer months as temperatures soar
- Experts say these annual fires are detrimental to the environment as they hinder biodiversity and disrupt natural habitat of birds, animals
Pakistan Senate chairman leaves for Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral ties
- Yousuf Raza Gillani to meet Saudi Shoura Council chairman, governors of Riyadh and Madinah during visit
- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia closely cooperate in defense, military, economy, trade and other vital sectors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani left for a five-day trip to Saudi Arabia on Monday with his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting institutional cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh, the Senate Secretariat said.
The invitation to Gillani and his delegation was extended by Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, the secretariat said. The Majlis Al-Shoura, or Consultative Council, is a legislative body that advises the Saudi king on issues that are important to Saudi Arabia.
“Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani has left for a five-day trip to Saudi Arabia with a delegation,” the Senate Secretariat said in a statement.
“The aim of the visit is to further promote bilateral relations and institutional cooperation.”
The Pakistani delegation will hold high-level meetings with the Shoura Council chairman, governors of Madinah and Riyadh, and conduct other high-level meetings, it said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial relations that have resulted in close cooperation in defense, military, economic and other sectors.
Last month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed investment agreements worth $2.8 billion while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to expedite a $5 billion investment portfolio for Islamabad.
Saudi Arabia has frequently bailed Pakistan out of its economic crisis over the years, coming to its aid with loan rollovers and providing oil on deferred payments to Islamabad.
Sri Lankan artist immortalizes Pakistan’s Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem with special painting
- Arshad Nadeem won Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal since 1992 in August with record-breaking javelin throw
- Titled “The Throw,” Mueen Saheed’s painting features an abstract portrayal of Nadeem and his mother
ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan artist Mueen Saheed has paid tribute to Pakistani Olympian Arshad Nadeem by dedicating a “special painting” to the sportsman, state-run media recently reported, as a mark of respect for bagging the gold medal for his country earlier this year.
Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics in August by setting a new record for the longest javelin throw in the global competition, winning Pakistan its first gold medal since 1992 with a record-breaking 92.97m javelin throw.
Saheed last week concluded an art cultural tour in Pakistan where he showcased his artwork at three major exhibitions in Lahore and Islamabad.
“Renowned Sri Lankan artist, Mueen Saheed made a memorable addition to his tour of Pakistan by presenting a special painting dedicated to Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated Olympic gold medalist, to the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA),” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Sunday.
The painting, now a part of the PNCA’s prestigious permanent collection, pays homage to Nadeem’s remarkable achievements and his role in uniting fans across borders.
Titled “The Throw,” the painting features an abstract portrayal of Nadeem and his mother, veiled behind Saheed’s distinctive brushstrokes and use of small squares, the APP said.
The presentation ceremony at the PNCA in Islamabad, part of the artist’s “Passages of Light” exhibition, was attended by key figures in the arts and culture sector, including PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
“Arshad Nadeem’s story is one of resilience and humility,” Saheed explained. “His victory at the Olympics and the moments of sportsmanship with his Indian counterpart, Neeraj Chopra, were powerful examples of unity in competition.”
Tarar praised Saheed’s gesture, noting the significance of honoring a national hero whose journey resonates beyond sports, inspiring audiences from Pakistan, India, and around the world, the state-run media said.
Belarus President Lukashenko to arrive in Pakistan today amid Islamabad protest
- Thousands of ex-PM Khan supporters expected to arrive in Pakistan’s capital for anti-government protest
- Pakistan, Belarus expected to sign several agreements during Aleksandr Lukashenko’s three-day visit to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on a three-day visit today, Monday, as thousands of supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan march toward the capital for an anti-government march.
Pakistan’s state media said last week that Lukashenko was expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on bilateral cooperation while several agreements would be signed between the two countries.
His visit comes at a time when thousands of supporters of jailed ex-PM Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party are headed toward Islamabad for a protest “long march.” Khan’s party is demanding his release from prison, independence of the judiciary and protesting against alleged rigging in the February national elections.
“President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko will undertake three-day visit to Pakistan from today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
As a 68-member delegation from Belarus arrived in Pakistan’s capital on Sunday ahead of Lukashenko’s visit, Pakistan’s government described the PTI’s protest as a “deliberate conspiracy” against the country’s “honor,” vowing stern action against any persons found violating the law.
The government last week took measures to enhance security in Islamabad, sealing off key highways and motorways leading to the capital from surrounding areas with shipping containers.
Security in the capital has also been beefed up with the deployment of paramilitary forces and police while the government has suspended Internet services in areas deemed sensitive for security.
PTI CARAVAN
Meanwhile, the PTI convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur left Peshawar around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday and reached Swabi in the evening, where it was joined by protesters from across the province.
The caravan then proceeded to Ghazi Barotha near Punjab, where it expects resistance from federal authorities.
Hajji Fazal Elahi, a PTI provincial lawmaker, told Arab News the party workers were determined to reach D-Chowk, the protest venue in Islamabad.
“There are hurdles as the government has placed barriers in different places. We will try our best to remove them, but if we don’t succeed, we’ll spend the night here,” he said, referring to Ghazi Barotha.
“We will go to D-Chowk and cross all the barriers, even if it takes a day or two,” he added.
Pakistan says protests cost $684 million daily as Imran Khan’s supporters march on Islamabad
- Finance Ministry’s estimates exclude losses from IT, telecom sectors and provincial economies
- Imran Khan has called for protests demanding his release, with demonstrations also held abroad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance has prepared a report estimating economic losses of Rs190 billion ($684 million) per day due to political protests, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Sunday, as supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan march toward Islamabad to demand his release.
The protest, led by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has effectively cut off the federal capital from other cities, with authorities using shipping containers to seal all entry and exit points and announcing the closure of all educational institutions in Islamabad.
The disruption has also impacted small businesses, with slow Internet and telecom services further compounding the economic losses.
“Protests result in a daily loss of Rs190 billion,” the finance minister said in a statement circulated by his office, warning of repercussions for the national economy.
According to the ministry’s report, the GDP suffers a daily loss of Rs144 billion, accounting for the largest share of the economic impact. Additionally, a decline in exports results in a daily loss of Rs26 billion, while disruptions in foreign direct investment contribute Rs3 billion to the daily losses.
Losses in the IT and telecom sectors are significant but separate from these figures.
“The federal government’s daily loss is Rs190 billion, while provincial losses are even higher,” Aurangzeb noted, without providing detailed provincial breakdowns.
Khan, who has been incarcerated for over a year on charges he claims are politically motivated, has urged his followers to rally both in Pakistan and abroad.
PTI supporters in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Spain and Japan have also organized demonstrations, calling for the former prime minister’s release.
As tensions persist, the government remains firm in its resolve to maintain public order, with Finance Minister Aurangzeb stressing that the ongoing unrest is severely undermining the country’s economic recovery efforts.
Pakistan urges climate justice at COP29, highlights gaps in global commitments
- It highlights mismatch between developed nations’ pledges and developing countries’ needs
- Romina Alam says Pakistan is forced into debt to manage the fallout of climate disasters
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top climate change official on Sunday voiced concern over the widening gap between global climate commitments and the needs of vulnerable nations as COP29 ended in Azerbaijan.
Addressing the closing plenary, Romina Khurshid Alam, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, emphasized Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to phenomenon, citing devastating floods, glacial melt, extreme heatwaves and droughts that have affected millions and strained the country’s resources.
“Climate justice is not charity; it is a moral obligation,” she said during her statement, criticizing the mismatch between developed nations’ pledges and the requirements of developing countries to implement their climate plans.
The Pakistani official welcomed the adoption of the Baku Climate Unity Pact, though she expressed “mixed feelings” about the outcomes.
“We note critical gaps in the decisions adopted here,” she said. “Global solidarity is important, but the goals set by developed countries fall short of addressing the needs of developing nations to implement their NDCs [Nationally Determined Contributions] and National Adaptation Plans.”
Alam highlighted the inequity in the international climate finance system, pointing out that countries like Pakistan are being forced into debt to manage the fallout of climate disasters.
“The climate crisis is turning into a debt crisis because the means of implementation are not clear,” she added.
The Pakistani official urged all parties to return to the negotiating table with renewed determination ahead of COP30.
“Multilateralism remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s climate diplomacy, and we hope for greater equity and commitment in addressing outstanding critical issues,” she added.
Pakistan is ranked as the 5th most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Apart from floods, droughts and heatwaves, the country’s eastern cities in Punjab have also witnessed unprecedented smog, taking the AQI level as high as 2,000.