QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Wednesday accepted a gift from Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, who donated his personal land adjacent to the Quaid-i-Azam Residency in Ziarat for the establishment of an environmental centre.

The donation, amounting to 31,680 square feet, was formally handed over by Qazi Azmat Isa, the CJP’s brother, on the country’s 77th Independence Day.

The proposed environmental centre aims to preserve the historic and ecologically significant juniper forest of Ziarat, the second-largest of its kind in the world, with some trees dating back over a thousand years. The centre will focus on protecting this unique heritage from the adverse effects of climate change and human activities while also promoting research and educational initiatives.

Justice Isa’s brother formally hands over land to govt on Independence Day

Officials said the centre would host a variety of activities for the public, including nature walks, special exhibitions, and educational lectures on environmental issues. Key facilities will include an exhibition hall, a tourist information centre and a seminar hall, all designed to raise awareness about Balochistan’s environmental significance and the challenges it faces.

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Expressing gratitude, the Balochistan government commended Justice Isa and his brother for dedicating their personal property to the public good. The land was originally allocated on a 100-year lease in 1950 to CJP Isa’s father, Qazi Muhammad Isa, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Movement and close associate of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The land holds historical importance and is located near several key government buildings in Ziarat.

A senior official from Ziarat’s local administration told Dawn by phone that the land, which is located within municipal limits, will be measured and marked by the Ziarat Municipal Committee (ZMC) before being officially handed over to the relevant authorities. The land, positioned at two different elevations and enclosed by a boundary wall, was not previously in active use.

“This land is precious due to its proximity to the Ziarat Residency, Governor House, Chief Minister House, and other important offices and buildings,” a senior ZMC official told Dawn.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024