Wildfire raging for 20 days in Ursun forest in Lower Chitral

CHITRAL: A wildfire that had broken out in the Ursun forest near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been raging for over 20 days, with no signs of containment, local residents said on Friday.

Local social activist Muhammad Rahim, a resident of Ursun, told reporters that the area’s summer pastures were evacuated on the orders of security forces, who cited imminent threats of cross-border militant activity. “We were asked to leave the pastures and move our livestock out for safety,” he said, adding; “Now, due to the ongoing shelling, not only are Taliban militants being killed, but local civilians have also been injured.” Muhammad Rahim said that the livelihoods of Ursun’s residents depend heavily on livestock and forest resources.

When contacted, Iqbal Khan, Forest Department official, who oversees the area, confirmed the wildfire and linked its cause to military operations against Taliban elements. “This isn’t the first time such a fire has occurred,” he said. Previously, he said, a similar blaze was extinguished by rainfall. “We are praying for rain again to help put out the fire,” he said

The official said that the border fencing along the adjacent Afghan province of Nuristan has not completely stopped infiltration and clashes between militants and Pakistani forces were still ongoing. “Pakistan Army and Chitral Scouts personnel continue to respond actively to any threats along the volatile border,” he added.

The prolonged blaze has raised concerns about environmental damage, displacement and the worsening humanitarian situation in the border region. Authorities have yet to announce any concrete firefighting or relief measures.