PESHAWAR
A massive forest fire has been raging for over a month in the Barikot Sheringal Forest Division of Upper Dir, yet the forest authorities and elected representatives remain passive observers, alleged local leaders during a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club (PPC).
Dir Welfare Organization President Haji Yousuf and social activist Dir Lala Ji, accompanied by residents of district Upper Dir, said that vast forest tracts, including Hitkon Banda, Bashamba Banda, and Kengal, as well as Range Patrak, have been engulfed in flames. Despite continuous efforts by villagers from Brikot, the fire continues to spread, reducing valuable deodar trees to ashes and causing losses worth billions of rupees.
They noted that the affected sites are located a four-hour trek from the main Kumrat Road, with no water sources or access roads, making firefighting nearly impossible for local residents.
“The fire has been burning for a month, yet neither the government nor the forest department has taken notice,” they lamented.
The speakers criticized provincial lawmakers for their silence, stating that the local MPA failed to raise the issue on the assembly floor.
They urged all provincial institutions to respond urgently to what they termed an “emergency situation.”
Haji Yousuf demanded that the Pakistan Army be deployed to help extinguish the fire, warning that it is rapidly spreading to new areas.
He also called for a judicial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and to fix responsibility for the destruction of public and national assets.
He emphasized that, given the rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure, aerial firefighting through helicopters is the only viable option.
“Time is running out, and the damage is becoming irreparable. We need practical steps, not mere statements,” he said.
The speakers warned that if government institutions continue to delay action, residents of Upper Dir will have no choice but to launch peaceful protests.
“We are still waiting for immediate, concrete measures to control the fire,” they added.
