In a significant move to preserve the capital’s greenery, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has officially stopped the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from cutting down trees. This decision comes after weeks of growing public concern over the removal of thousands of mature trees across the city.
The Court’s Intervention
On Thursday, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over a petition filed against the ongoing tree removal. The petitioner argued that the mass felling violates environmental laws and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act. He claimed the activity has caused serious ecological damage.
In response, the IHC issued a stay order, immediately halting IHC CDA tree cutting activities. The court has also summoned a detailed report from the CDA and the Ministry of Climate Change. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for February 2, 2026.
The Controversy Behind the Axe
The CDA recently removed more than 29,000 trees, primarily in areas like Shakarparian and the Islamabad Expressway. The authority defended its actions by stating it was only targeting Paper Mulberry trees. This species is known to cause severe pollen allergies for residents during the spring season.
However, environmentalists and civil society members have challenged these claims. They allege that 50 to 60-year-old indigenous trees were also cut down to make way for infrastructure projects. Groups like WWF-Pakistan noted that large-scale land clearing in H-8 was linked to road construction rather than just health concerns.
Government Response and Future Plans
Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik has assured the public that for every tree cut, three new indigenous saplings will be planted. He emphasized that the removal was based on scientific assessments to improve public health.
The IHC has now stepped in to ensure that these environmental laws are not being ignored. The court’s decision provides a temporary relief to the city’s “green lungs” while legal experts review the CDA’s justification for the IHC CDA tree cutting drive.
While Islamabad focuses on preserving its natural environment, other regions are prioritizing infrastructure; for instance, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently approved Rs 30M for the Karak Sports Complex to boost regional athletic facilities.
