QUETTA: Balochistan Finance Minister Haji Noor Muhammad Khan Dummar has asked the management of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to restore gas supply to Ziarat valley, as large-scale cutting of trees for fuel poses a threat to the surrounding juniper forest.

During a meeting with the SSGC managing director and other officials on Tuesday, Mr Dummar discussed the situation of gas supply to Ziarat and other towns and cities of Balochistan, including Quetta. “People have no option but to cut down and burn juniper trees to keep their homes warm amid freezing temperatures,” he said.

“Gas pressure is too low while there’s no gas on the outskirts of many cities,” he said, adding that the people of Ziarat couldn’t leave their homes due to extreme cold weather.

Asks SSGC to immediately restore supply to stop cutting of trees for fuel

He stressed that gas supply to Ziarat, Sanjawi and other areas should be immediately restored to protect the second largest juniper forest in the world.

He lamented that all business activities were suspended and tourists who used to go to Ziarat during the snowfall were now reluctant to visit the area due to gas shortage.

The SSGC managing director assured Mr Dummar that the problem of gas pressure in Ziarat would be resolved by taking all possible steps and uninterrupted supply would be ensured.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2021