ISLAMABAD: Environmental experts and concerned citizens have warned that rapid and unplanned urban development is eroding Islamabad’s green spaces, posing serious risks to ecological balance and public health. Speaking at a webinar, participants highlighted how weak governance, elite capture and violations of zoning regulations are accelerating the replacement of natural landscapes with unchecked concrete expansion.
The discussion noted that development by the Capital Development Authority and private housing societies often disregards environmental safeguards and professional planning standards. Experts stressed that the persistent conflict between populist decision making and science based urban planning is steadily undermining the capital’s identity as a green and liveable city.
A key recommendation emerging from the webinar was the establishment of a dedicated Islamabad focused think tank to guide sustainable urban development. Speakers called for a collaborative platform bringing together independent professionals, policymakers, civil society and creative communities to design long term people centred solutions rooted in environmental science and transparency.
Environmental expert Dr Tariq Banuri said environmental protection efforts were being weakened by fragile institutions and the marginalisation of professionals and activists working to protect forests, hills and wildlife habitats. He described Islamabad’s environmental decline as a symptom of deeper governance failures driven by elite influence and the absence of accountable planning mechanisms.
Former health minister Dr Zafar Mirza strongly condemned the ongoing tree cutting in Islamabad, describing it as an attack on public health and sustainability. He urged citizens to form active forums similar to successful urban conservation movements in other cities to monitor violations and pressure authorities to safeguard green spaces and the Margalla Hills National Park.
Former senator Mian Attig and ex Pak EPA chief Ziaul Islam emphasised the need for independent, evidence based advice to reform urban governance. Devcom Director Munir Ahmed and ecosystems expert Ashig Ahmed Khan stressed that sustainable development depends on inclusive and democratic decision making, urging courts and parliamentary bodies to ensure accountability and meaningful public participation.
