Overview
- Minister of State Talal Chaudhry told the National Assembly that 2,915 paper mulberry trees were removed after surveying, tagging and expert review, adding that Supreme Court–appointed committees confirmed the species involved.
- He said SPARCO imagery, Google Maps and NDVI analyses show green cover increased between 2023 and 2025, and reported more than 40,000 mature trees planted with 60,000 more planned by March.
- Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik cited scientific identification and pollen impacts on 30–37% of residents, directed a three-for-one replanting ratio, ordered EPA tree counts, and signaled show-cause notices and higher fines for violations.
- Opposition and allied MPs alleged older or indigenous trees were cut, leading the House to send the matter to the National Assembly’s environment committee for examination.
- WWF-Pakistan challenged the CDA narrative, reporting vegetation losses tied to construction, including about five hectares near the H-8 Expressway and 10–15 hectares along the Margalla Enclave Link Road, and urging phased management of paper mulberry.