Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought a report from CDA over large-scale tree cutting in Islamabad after public backlash and protests by civil society.
Public Outcry Over Large-Scale Tree Cutting
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of reports of large-scale tree cutting in Islamabad, following a wave of public anger on social media and strong protests by civil society groups. In recent days, images and videos have circulated online showing entire patches of greenery cleared in different parts of the capital.
Environmental activists, residents and urban planners have voiced deep concern over the scale and speed of the cutting. They argue that Islamabad, which was once known for its green character, is already under pressure from rapid construction, and that removing mature trees in bulk will worsen pollution, heat and flood risks in the long run.
In response to the backlash, the prime minister has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit a detailed report on the matter, including the legal basis, approvals and environmental safeguards related to the tree removal.
CDA Claims Versus Ground Reports in Shakarparian
The CDA has publicly claimed that only paper mulberry trees were removed in the Shakarparian area as part of a planned activity. Paper mulberry is often cited as an allergen and a contributor to pollen-related health issues in the spring season.
However, ground reports from journalists and activists suggest a much wider clearing operation. According to these accounts, almost all trees—regardless of species—appear to have been cut across at least four patches of land near Lok Virsa, covering more than 15 acres.
This apparent contradiction between official statements and on-the-ground evidence has further fuelled public mistrust. Critics say that if only paper mulberry was meant to be targeted, there should have been clear markings, proper surveys and visible efforts to spare indigenous species and healthy, non-allergenic trees.
Tree Cutting Along Islamabad Expressway and Chak Shahzad
Concerns are not limited to Shakarparian. Reports indicate that mature trees have also been felled along a section of the Islamabad Expressway in Sector H-8, allegedly as part of a park upgradation project. While authorities often justify such work as “development”, many residents fear that green spaces are being sacrificed without careful planning or full replacement.
Similar large-scale cutting has also been reported in the Chak Shahzad area, where trees were cleared for the construction of a dual carriageway. The new road is meant to link Park Road to a CDA–DHA housing scheme, raising questions about whether private development is benefiting at the expense of public environmental assets.
Urban experts argue that while infrastructure improvements are important, they should not come at the cost of destroying established tree cover—especially when alternative designs, realignments or compensatory planting could be considered.
Call for Accountability and Environmental Safeguards
The prime minister’s decision to seek a report from the CDA comes amid growing calls for accountability and stricter enforcement of environmental protection laws. Activists and legal experts have pointed out that any large-scale tree cutting in the capital should be backed by proper environmental impact assessments, transparent approvals and a clear reforestation plan.
They also stress that public consultation is critical when projects affect major green belts, parks or protected areas. Without such checks, they say, there is a risk that short-term development goals will continue to override long-term environmental health, leading to hotter summers, poorer air quality and higher flood risk for Islamabad’s residents.
Many campaigners are now calling for an independent inquiry, not only into the recent incidents but also into the broader pattern of tree removal linked to road expansions, housing schemes and commercial projects.
What Citizens Want from the Government Now
For citizens, the core demand is simple: development should not mean the destruction of Islamabad’s green identity. Residents and civil society groups are urging the federal government and CDA to adopt a “trees first” approach—where avoiding unnecessary cutting becomes a central condition in any project design.
They are also asking for detailed public disclosure of how many trees have been removed, what species were affected and how many will be replanted, where and by when. Some have proposed that compensatory plantation should follow at least a one-to-ten ratio, with independent monitoring to verify survival rates.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention has raised expectations that the issue will not be brushed aside. How the government responds—through its report, follow-up actions and future planning rules—will send a strong signal about whether environmental protection is treated as a core priority or a negotiable afterthought in the capital’s development agenda.
