QUETTA: The Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department has launched an inquiry into reports that protected juniper trees were damaged during construction of security check-posts in Ziarat district, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the province’s centuries-old forest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said its field staff had inspected the site after receiving reports of damage to the protected trees.

After the inspection, the relevant agency was asked to take immediate measures to prevent any further harm.

While acknowledging the prevailing security requirements in the area, the department stressed that all construction activities within officially notified forest areas must be carried out in accordance with the law and with adequate environmental safeguards in place.

The Ziarat Juniper Forest is regarded as one of the world’s oldest surviving juniper ecosystems and is considered a vital environmental and ecological asset of Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2026