Controversial Spin: Climate Change Minister Defends Massive Tree Cutting in Islamabad Amid Public Anger

Climate change minister spins tree cutting Islamabad as authorities face intense criticism over the large-scale felling of trees across the federal capital. Amid growing outrage on social media and environmental platforms, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadiq Malik defended the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) actions, claiming that nearly 29,000 paper mulberry trees were removed in compliance with court orders.

Speaking on a television talk show after chairing a high-level meeting, the minister maintained that the operation was driven by public health concerns rather than development pressures.

Public backlash over tree cutting in Islamabad

The sudden removal of thousands of mature trees has sparked anger among Islamabad residents, environmentalists, and civil society groups. Large swathes of green cover—particularly in Shakarparian, H-8, and Chak Shahzad—were cleared, leaving once-lush areas looking barren.

Citizens argue that tree cutting extended beyond paper mulberry, contradicting official claims. Videos and photos circulating online show acres of land stripped of vegetation, intensifying distrust toward the authorities.

Government justification: Paper mulberry and health risks

According to Dr Malik, paper mulberry trees are non-indigenous and highly allergenic, linked to severe respiratory illnesses.

“Paper mulberry is a major cause of allergies and has even caused deaths among chronic asthma patients,” the minister stated.

He explained that these trees were planted in the 1960s and later identified by the Ministry of Health as a public health threat. Based on this assessment, the government proceeded with the removal campaign.

Supreme Court orders and selective implementation

The minister cited Supreme Court orders issued in 2023, claiming that the operation was legally mandated and re-implemented in 2025. However, critics question why the implementation appears selective and poorly communicated.

Interestingly, while official briefings mentioned multiple sectors, tree cutting along Park Road in Chak Shahzad was absent from the ministry’s handout, raising further transparency concerns.

For legal background, readers can refer to Supreme Court of Pakistan judgments archive.

Shakarparian, H-8, and Chak Shahzad controversy

In Shakarparian, at least four patches of dense greenery were cleared, drawing comparisons to desert landscapes. Locals insist that indigenous trees were also removed, not just paper mulberry.

In H-8, decades-old trees were cut during park “upgradation,” while in Chak Shahzad, mature trees were felled for a dual carriageway linked to CDA-DHA housing development.

Urban planners argue that development-driven deforestation undermines Islamabad’s master plan and long-term climate resilience.

CDA’s plantation claims under scrutiny

To counter criticism, the CDA announced that three trees are being planted for every one removed. Officials also claimed that 30,000 trees would be planted as part of the replacement drive.

According to the ministry, plantation plans include:

• Native species
• Fruit-bearing trees
• Chir pine and other climate-resilient varieties

However, environmental experts note that saplings cannot replace decades-old trees in terms of carbon sequestration, shade, or biodiversity.

For climate science context, see UN Environment Programme on urban forests.

January plantation drive raises new concerns

In an unusual move, the CDA launched its plantation campaign in January, a month typically marked by frost in Islamabad. Traditionally, plantation begins in mid-February.

Social media users questioned the timing, arguing that early planting reduces survival rates. CDA officials responded by stating that only frost-resistant species like Chir Pine were being planted, and that the campaign would gain momentum in February.

Environmental coordination and transparency gaps

A high-level meeting attended by:

• Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry
• CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa
• Secretary Climate Change Aisha Moriana
• EPA and IWMB representatives

focused on improving coordination among agencies.

Dr Malik directed authorities to establish a transparent, legally compliant mechanism for future environmental campaigns, including proper permissions and public communication.

For readers interested in Pakistan’s environmental governance, see our internal coverage on Islamabad climate policy challenges.

What experts and citizens are demanding

Environmental groups and urban ecologists are calling for:

• Independent audits of tree cutting
• Public disclosure of environmental impact assessments
• Long-term urban forestry planning
• Citizen oversight in green-space decisions

They argue that without accountability, plantation drives risk becoming optical damage control rather than genuine climate action.

Conclusion: Environment or optics?

Climate change minister spins tree cutting Islamabad remains a deeply polarising issue. While the government frames the operation as a health-driven, court-mandated intervention, public perception tells a different story—one of rushed execution, weak transparency, and environmental loss.

Whether the promised plantations restore ecological balance or remain symbolic gestures will determine if Islamabad’s green future is genuinely protected—or quietly compromised.