QUETTA: The Balochis­tan government is taking measures to implement the national forest protection policy in letter and spirit, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri says.

He expressed these views in a meeting with Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Climate Change Zahid Hamid who called on him in Islamabad. Federal Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch was also present, official sources said.

Mr Hamid said this was the first policy of its kind and funds for its implementation would be provided by the federal government.

Protection of juniper forests of Ziarat and Harboi had been made the policy’s part on the instructions of the prime minister, he said.

Besides, he said, a comprehensive policy for the protection of marine life and coastal areas also encompassing the Churna and Astola islands had also been included in the policy.

Denying banning fishing trawlers, the minister said the navy’s assistance for the protection of marine life would be sought.

The leaders discussed protection and expansion of pastures which the federal minister promised to support.

He also promised to take up the low gas supply issue of Kalat and Ziarat with the petroleum minister and to help bring an end to the chopping of forests.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2017