ZHOB: The Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan National Highway has been blocked at the Silyaza Bridge by local protesters, halting all types of traffic.
The demonstrators are protesting the government’s inaction over a massive forest fire that has been raging for several days in the forest of Shin Ghar in the Sherani district of Balochistan.
The wildfire that broke out could not be brought under control despite the passage of three days.
According to the protesters, the fire has engulfed large parts of the ancient and expansive forests that include olive and pine nut trees. They said that it threatened biodiversity, wildlife, and the livelihoods of local communities.
Despite the severity of the situation, they claim that neither the Balochistan government nor the Sherani district administration has taken effective steps to control or extinguish the fire.
The demonstrators are demanding immediate deployment of firefighting resources and aerial support to contain the blaze before it causes further destruction.
The highway remains closed as the protest continues, affecting traffic between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Local residents urged the authorities concerned to act swiftly to stop further damage.
