Overview
- The National Assembly was told that 29,115 trees were removed in Islamabad, with officials insisting the drive targeted allergy‑causing paper mulberry identified as a public‑health risk to 30–37% of residents.
- Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said more than 40,000 trees have already been planted and a further 60,000 are planned by March, citing SPARCO and NDVI analyses indicating increased green cover since 2023.
- Lawmakers referred the matter to the relevant committee after PPP, MQM‑P and PTI figures questioned the scope of felling and the cutting of decades‑old trees linked to construction.
- Climate Minister Dr Musadik Malik inspected Shakarparian, termed systematic felling of fully grown trees unacceptable, directed Pak‑EPA to verify numbers, and signaled tougher penalties and three‑for‑one compensatory planting.
- WWF‑Pakistan reported that clearance extends beyond paper mulberry, documenting vegetation loss tied to infrastructure at H‑8 along the Expressway (about five hectares) and the Margalla Enclave Link Road (10–15 hectares), and urged zoned, GIS‑based management to limit ecological damage.