Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought a detailed report on the large-scale cutting of trees in Islamabad, following the removal of more than 29,000 paper mulberry (wild mulberry) trees across the capital, including some over 50 years old.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to provide full details of the operation and ensure appropriate compensatory measures for each tree cut.
Officials said the CDA began awarding contracts last year to remove paper mulberry trees from locations such as Shakarparian, F-9 Park, and Srinagar Highway, citing seasonal allergies caused by these trees.
However, environmental experts and citizen groups criticised the large-scale removal, arguing it undermines global efforts to expand urban green cover and that other environmentally friendly trees were damaged during the operation.
CDA Director General Environment Irfan Azeem Niazi stated that fruit-bearing and pine trees would be planted in place of the removed mulberries, with a focus on local species suited to Islamabad’s climate.
In response to public concern, a high-level meeting on environmental protection in the capital was held under Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik, where officials briefed participants on the phased removal and planned replacement strategy.
Authorities assured that more trees would be planted than were removed, prioritising native and fruit-bearing species.
Dr Musadik Malik emphasised that protecting Islamabad’s green cover is critical and that no environmental action would be undertaken without strict compliance with laws and regulations. He called for coordinated efforts among all institutions to strengthen plantation drives and safeguard urban forests.
The prime minister has directed that responsibility be fixed for the tree-cutting operation and that future actions be aligned with environmental laws and sustainability goals.
The government reiterated that improving the capital’s environment and protecting citizens’ health remain top priorities, ensuring that Islamabad’s urban forests are preserved and enhanced for future generations.
