ISLAMABAD, January 15, 2026: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered an immediate halt to the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) ongoing tree-cutting drive in the federal capital, seeking detailed explanations from relevant authorities amid growing public and political concern over the campaign.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued notices to the CDA, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, directing them to submit clause-wise replies and comprehensive reports by February 2.
The order was passed during the hearing of a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Naveed Ahmed, who challenged the legality and environmental impact of the tree-cutting operation.
The drive has sparked widespread debate in Islamabad, with coalition partners Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also expressing reservations over the removal of trees.
In response to criticism, the Islamabad district administration and CDA have maintained that the campaign exclusively targets invasive paper mulberry trees, which are blamed for causing severe seasonal pollen allergies in the city.
According to official figures, nearly 30,000 paper mulberry trees have been removed over the past year, including approximately 8,700 from major green spaces, as part of a government-backed health initiative.
Authorities insist that no indigenous or non-allergenic trees were affected. The campaign was launched following a prime ministerial directive in late 2024, with the goal of mitigating pollen-related health issues.
Officials from the CDA and the Ministry of Climate Change have reiterated that an extensive replantation plan is underway. Under the policy, three indigenous, environment-friendly trees are to be planted for every tree removed.
More than 40,000 trees have already been planted, while authorities have pledged that a total of 60,000 new trees will be planted by the end of March, with the entire restoration project scheduled for completion by April 2026.
The IHC’s intervention has temporarily paused the campaign, pending further review, as the court examines whether environmental laws and due process were adequately followed.
