ISLAMABAD, Jan 16: The rapid diminution in the density of forests in the hilly areas of Murree, Kahuta and Kotli Sattian is leading to pollution in the region, including the federal capital and Rawalpindi.

This was stated by PML leader and ex-parliamentary secretary Punjab Assembly Shahid Riaz Satti on Sunday. "If the woods are not stopped to become the feed of kitchen fire in the hilly stations, the situation will get worse," he warned.

Mr Satti, who is also a researcher on environment, was talking to a group of media persons. He said after conducting a study he had suggested to the Punjab chief minister that the only solution to the problem laid in the provision of Sui gas to the hilly areas.