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Numerous forests in Punjab have experienced significant damage due to frequent wildfires, with over 6,000 acres turned into ash during the last three years.

According to official data obtained by Dunya News, Punjab experienced 268 forest fire incidents during this time, making up almost 40 percent of the 479 cases reported across the country. In Pakistan, nearly 15,500 acres of forest area have been impacted by fires since 2023.

2024 turned out to be the worst year, with Punjab experiencing 165 fire incidents that damaged 3,363 acres of forest. On the other hand, just four fires were recorded in 2023, affecting 25 acres. The problem is still critical in 2025, as 97 additional incidents have already led to the destruction of 2,729 acres of trees.

Several other provinces also experienced significant damage. In Balochistan, two fires in 2024 burned 590 acres, and 14 incidents this year have destroyed an additional 4,629 acres. Sindh reported five fires that damaged 63 acres, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had 60 fires in 2024, which consumed 1,235 acres—though there have been no recorded incidents this year. Islamabad has seen a total of 48 fires, impacting approximately 336 acres of forest land.

Experts attribute the escalating wildfire problem to climate change, unlawful logging, human carelessness, and longer periods of dry weather. The Forest Department has called for urgent actions, such as public education campaigns, improved monitoring technologies, and the restoration of firebreaks to avoid more damage.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).