Overview
- The Islamabad High Court extended its interim injunction against further felling and set consolidated petitions for hearing on February 13 before Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro.
- The Capital Development Authority told the court it acted on directives from the Prime Minister’s Office, citing scientific research, an IHC-formed environment committee in 2022, and a 2023 public hearing.
- The CDA reported removing 29,115 paper mulberry trees across Islamabad, including about 8,700 in Shakarparian, describing the species as a major source of pollen allergies and asthma.
- Officials said removals followed guidelines from Supreme Court–appointed experts and planning rules, with the Marka‑e‑Haq monument site federally approved and land transferred to the Planning Ministry.
- Authorities pledged large-scale replanting, including a three-for-one replacement policy, claims of more than 40,000 trees already planted, and plans for 60,000 additional plantings by the end of March, while petitioners allege legal and environmental violations.