The chairman of the Balochistan Grand Democratic Alliance (BGDA), Haji Muhammad Anwar Shahwani, has criticised the government plans to cut orchards in the Khadkocha area of Mastung, describing the move as harmful to local livelihoods, agriculture and the environment.
In a statement, Shahwani said Khadkocha is one of the few areas in Balochistan known for its long-established orchards, which he described as the result of generations of labour and investment by local families.
He said the orchards in Mastung, particularly in Khadkocha, are an important source of income for thousands of families and contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural economy.
According to Shahwani, the preservation of orchards should be a priority at a time when Balochistan is facing challenges such as water shortages, drought and the effects of climate change.
He further stated that the orchards play an important role in maintaining the area’s environmental balance. He argued that their removal could contribute to rising temperatures, declining groundwater levels and broader environmental degradation.
Shahwani called on the authorities to reconsider the reported proposal and instead introduce measures aimed at supporting agriculture, including modern drip irrigation systems, solar-powered tube wells and improved water-storage technologies.
He also expressed support for local growers and landowners, describing them as key stakeholders in the region’s agricultural sector.
The BGDA chairman said his organisation would continue to support farmers in Khadkocha and oppose any measures that, in its view, could damage the area’s orchards and agricultural economy.
He stated that “cutting down Khadkocha’s orchards is equivalent to cutting down our children”, criticising the government for punishing the plants and trees for security challenges it is facing in the region.