The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from cutting trees in the federal capital and sought a comprehensive report on the issue.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard a petition filed by Muhammad Naveed Ahmed, who urged the court to stop what he termed unlawful and excessive tree felling in Islamabad.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that large-scale cutting of trees was being carried out in violation of existing laws and regulations, causing serious environmental harm and exacerbating climate change. The lawyer maintained that the ongoing removal of trees breaches the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act and poses a significant threat to the city’s ecological balance.
The court summoned the Assistant Attorney General to the rostrum and questioned the justification for the tree-cutting activity.
After the hearing, the IHC 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 parawise replies along with a detailed report at the next hearing.
The court ordered the CDA to immediately halt all tree-cutting activities until further orders and adjourned the case until February 2.
According to reports, extensive tree removal has recently been carried out at various locations across Islamabad, including large tracts of green cover in the Shakarparian area.
Meanwhile, the CDA has stated that 29,115 paper mulberry trees were removed under a government-approved plan, citing their contribution to severe pollen allergies. Earlier, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik said that three saplings would be planted for every tree cut.
He added that the paper mulberry trees were removed only after scientific identification and assessment, and that indigenous species were being planted as part of a reforestation drive. Dr. Malik made these remarks during a media briefing following his visit to Shakarparian, where he reviewed the tree-cutting and plantation process, warning that strict action would be taken in case of any negligence or violation of environmental laws.
