Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of large-scale tree cutting in the Shakarparian area, H-8, and along Park Road in Islamabad. The minister expressed concern after media reports highlighted the removal of trees and has requested a detailed report from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the matter.
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Sources said CDA’s environment wing has been tasked with compiling the report, which will include details about the species removed, the areas affected, and ongoing urban development projects. According to the CDA, paper mulberry trees were cleared in four patches totaling over 15 acres, and 30,000 new trees are planned to be planted in their place.
زیادہ پرانی بات نہیں کہ ہم فخر سے کہتے کہ اسلام آباد میں دھند نہیں پڑتی اب جوں جوں آبادی بڑھتی جا رہی ہے درختوں کا قتل عام ہو رہاہے مارگلہ کے پہاڑوں پر کٹاؤ جاری ہے اسلام آباد بھی لاہور اور کراچی کیطرح بنتا جا رہا ہے یہ 👇ابھی کا منظر ہے https://t.co/PS7ddWnUnM pic.twitter.com/yDq2VJHKAo
— Umar Cheema (@UmarCheema1) January 6, 2026
However, citizens and social media users have alleged that indigenous trees were also cut, leaving the area looking barren. Residents noted that the dense tree cover along Park Road, once known locally as “thandi sarak” for its cool shade, has now been largely removed, exposing the Expressway and changing the visual landscape of the area.
Tree cutting has also been reported in the H-8 greenbelt and near Park Road, linked to the construction of a highway connecting the Margalla Enclave Housing Scheme, a CDA-DHA joint venture. The road project reportedly began without a public hearing or an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), raising concerns among environmentalists and citizens.
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The issue has sparked public debate on social media, with senior journalists warning about the long-term environmental impact of indiscriminate tree cutting in Islamabad. CDA has defended its actions, citing NDVI data showing a net increase of 9,000 acres of green cover in Islamabad between 2023 and 2025, while attributing criticisms to propaganda related to illegal encroachment operations.
The interior minister’s inquiry aims to clarify the extent of the tree removal, assess compliance with environmental regulations, and ensure accountability in urban development and conservation efforts.