Wildfires break out in Murree & AJK Forests

Wildfires have devastated Murree and Azad Jammu and Kashmir forests in Pakistan, leaving people reeling from its aftermath.

Wildfires break out in Murree & AJK Forests f

“Fires are one of the major contributors to deforestation here.”

Wildfires have been ravaging the forests of Murree and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in Pakistan since January 14, 2025.

The fires have devastated Ghoda Gali, PP-1, and Samli ranges in Murree, along with forests in Palna Jungle in Haveli Kahuta, AJK.

The blaze has consumed valuable timber worth millions, leaving residents and officials grappling with its aftermath.

Local authorities reported that the fires have spread across 49 areas and continue to intensify, particularly at night when strong winds fan the flames.

The lack of road access has severely hampered rescue efforts, leaving firefighters struggling to reach the affected sites.

In Palna Jungle, locals had no choice but to try and extinguish the flames themselves as help from authorities failed to arrive in time.

Speculation surrounds the cause of the fires, with many residents accusing the ‘timber mafia’ of deliberately setting them to cover up illegal logging.

Others claim it is an attempt to clear land for real estate development.

Residents highlighted that such tactics have become common, exacerbating the region’s loss of forest cover.

Zafar Javed, a resident of Goi Sehhar Bagla, stated:

“Fires are one of the major contributors to deforestation here.”

He alleged that Forest Department staff were either complicit in these illegal activities or neglectful of their duties.

Another local said: “The fire didn’t break out. This is the land the timber mafia is starting forest fires on for their own personal gain.

“Unfortunately, authorities are either sleeping or helping them.”

One voiced: “It’s just for cutting trees! They plan to burn forests and clear the land.”

The environmental impact of these fires is immense.

Thousands of trees, including deodar and pine, have been reduced to ash, and rare wildlife species have disappeared.

The destruction has also highlighted long-standing issues such as inadequate fire management resources and lax enforcement of anti-logging laws.

Experts like Professor Ashfaq Kaleem have called for immediate government action to protect the natural beauty of Murree and its surrounding areas.

He emphasised the need for community involvement in fire prevention, reforestation efforts, and enhanced monitoring systems.

Kaleem urged:

“Stronger laws against illegal logging and their strict enforcement are essential.”

He also suggested equipping the Forest Department with advanced tools for fire management and implementing 24/7 surveillance to prevent such disasters.

The fires have reignited calls for the Punjab Government to take decisive action against the timber mafia.

Ayesha is our South Asia correspondent who adores music, arts and fashion. Being highly ambitious, her motto for life is, "Even the Impossible spells I'm Possible".




  • Play DESIblitz Games
  • What's New

    MORE

    "Quoted"

  • Polls

    Which Bhangra Collaboration is the Best?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
  • Share to...