8 th July 2005
WWF – Pakistan lauds the provision of natural gas for Murree

WWF – Pakistan lauds the Sui Northern Gas Company for committing to provide natural gas for Murree. By providing this alternative energy source, the cutting of trees for fuel wood by the local communities will reduce immensely. It is hoped that this facility will be extended to the communities living in the buffer zones of forest reserve areas so that pressure on the remaining natural forests is relieved.

WWF – Pakistan , being part of the largest netwok of an international conservation organisation, lays great emphasis on sustainability of the natural resources as they are fast depleting due to overuse by humans. WWF – Pakistan 's mission is to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by conserving the world's biodiversity.

The forests of Murree are a part the unique Himalayan Forest ecosystem which is under severe pressure due to overuse and ill-planned infrastructure development. Any step to relieve this pressure such as by provision of natural gas is a step in the right direction.

WWF – Pakistan hopes that future plans for provision of natural gas will also take into account the need to reduce the degradation of natural forests of high ecological significance.

For further information:
Amjad Aslam, WWF – Pakistan,
Ferozepur Road, Lahore.
UAN: 111-WWF-PAK(993-725)
Tel: +92 42 5862360, 5869429,
Fax: 042 5862358,
e-mail: aaslam@wwf.org.pk