PkMAP to Hold Protest on July 18 Against Illegal Allotment of Ziarat Forests
QuettaضThe Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) has announced a protest demonstration and public gathering on **Friday, July 18, 2025, at 9:30 AM** against the alleged illegal and unconstitutional allotment of **Ziarat’s historic forests** by what it calls the “Form 47-imposed government.”
In a provincial press release, the party expressed strong condemnation over what it termed as blatant violations of constitutional rights and the exploitation of Balochistan’s natural resources. It stated that the imposition of “fake representatives” through Form 47 is an attack on democracy and provincial autonomy.
The statement further criticized the federal government for its actions, including:
* **The 26th Constitutional Amendment**, which allegedly aims to paralyze the judiciary,
* **PECA Act**, seen as a tool to silence independent media,
* **Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC)**, which is being accused of undermining provincial control over resources,
* And the **Mines and Minerals Act**, which the party claims hands over local mineral wealth to outsiders and deprives locals of ownership rights.
PkMAP highlighted that the **Ziarat forest**, recognized as the world’s second-largest juniper forest and declared a **UNESCO World Heritage site**, has not received any international support due to government negligence. Despite global environmental institutions offering oxygen measurement tools and conservation aid, the current regime has failed to engage or protect the area, the party alleged.
The party also condemned the allotment of vast lands in Ziarat to non-locals, saying this act strips the indigenous population of their ancestral rights.
Calling upon the people of Ziarat and Balochistan, PkMAP urged them to join the protest to defend their land, environment, and constitutional rights. The protest will be addressed by both central and provincial leaders of the party.
PkMAP expressed confidence that the people of Ziarat will stand united in defense of democracy, justice, and their homeland.
