Amid growing public concern over the large scale cutting of trees in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadiq Malik has stated that approximately 29,000 paper mulberry trees have been removed in compliance with Supreme Court orders issued in 2023 and reimplemented in 2025.

Speaking after chairing a high level meeting on the issue, the minister explained that paper mulberry is a non indigenous and invasive species planted in the 1960s. He said the species is a major cause of severe allergies and asthma related complications, including fatalities among chronic patients, and its removal was carried out following confirmation from health authorities.

Dr Malik emphasised that the government has decided not to plant non indigenous species in future plantation drives. He assured that every tree removed under the campaign is being replaced with three new saplings or mature trees to protect Islamabad’s green cover and promote environmental sustainability.

The clarification came after widespread criticism over the cutting of thousands of trees in several areas of the capital, including Shakarparian, H 8 and Chak Shahzad. In Shakarparian, residents reported that multiple patches had been cleared, raising fears of ecological damage. Authorities, however, maintained that only paper mulberry trees were removed as part of a targeted operation.

According to officials, the campaign focused on areas where paper mulberry concentration exceeded 90 percent, including Shakarparian, F 9 Park and sectors H 8 and H 9. The removed trees are being replaced with native and fruit bearing species, along with pine trees, to restore ecological balance and improve public health outcomes.

The minister reviewed plantation and environmental protection plans in a meeting attended by senior officials from the Capital Development Authority, Environment Protection Agency, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and the Ministry of Climate Change. He stressed the need for transparency, inter agency coordination and strict adherence to environmental laws.

Dr Malik directed authorities to develop a clear and streamlined mechanism for permissions and implementation, ensuring that tree removal and plantation activities remain lawful, well coordinated and environmentally responsible while safeguarding Islamabad’s long term green landscape.