Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from cutting trees until February 2. The court also demanded a detailed report on ongoing tree-felling drives amid environmental damage concerns.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the order during a petition hearing filed under Article 199 of the Constitution.
The petitioner, Muhammad Naveed Ahmad, argued that indiscriminate tree cutting across Islamabad violated environmental laws, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997. He said the actions endangered public health, destroyed ecology, and ignored the Islamabad Master Plan.
Advocate Muddasir Latif Abbasi represented the petitioner, while Assistant Attorney General Sarfraz Rauf appeared for the state.
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IHC directed the CDA, Pak-EPA, and Climate Change Ministry to submit a detailed para-wise report on tree-cutting operations in Shakarparian, H-8, F-9 Park, and other areas. The petitioner sought accountability for officials approving the cuts, proper environmental assessments, and exemplary penal action under law. The court adjourned the hearing until February 2.
Thousands of trees were reportedly removed recently, with CDA citing allergies from paper mulberry trees and some work linked to infrastructure projects.
Critics and WWF-Pakistan said the removal also facilitated development projects like a cricket stadium, monument, road upgrades, and a bus depot. The petitioner called for a moratorium on further construction until independent oversight ensures environmental protection.
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Ahmad requested a judicial commission to investigate violations, recommend accountability, and enforce tree replacement at a ratio of ten trees planted for every tree removed. He also urged the creation of an empowered body to approve future tree-cutting operations. The case has sparked public debate over environmental safeguards, transparency, and urban development in Islamabad.