Overview
- The Islamabad High Court ordered an immediate stop to further felling and directed the CDA, Pak-EPA, and the Climate Change Ministry to submit detailed replies, with the next hearing set for February 2.
- Officials told parliament that 29,115 trees were removed and maintained the campaign targeted allergenic, non-native paper mulberry based on due process including public hearings, EPA review, and SPARCO/NDVI mapping.
- The government says over 40,000 replacement trees eight to ten feet tall have been planted and another 60,000 are scheduled by March 30, alongside directives for three-for-one compensatory planting.
- WWF-Pakistan’s field assessments contend the removals were not limited to paper mulberry and document vegetation losses tied to development, estimating about five hectares at H-8 and 10–15 hectares along the Margalla Enclave Link Road.
- Climate Minister Musadik Malik inspected Shakarparian, called systematic felling of fully grown trees unacceptable, ordered Pak-EPA verification, and warned of legal action and tougher penalties, as the National Assembly sent the matter to a committee.