ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has sought 45,000 saplings from the Ministry of Climate Change to replenish nearly 30,000 mature trees felled across Islamabad in recent months, as part of a large scale spring plantation campaign.

According to officials, the CDA has submitted a list of indigenous species including Arjan, Kachnar, Amaltas, Jacaranda, Tecoma, Siris and Phulai. The saplings will be planted across the capital to replace paper mulberry trees that authorities say were removed because of their invasive nature and severe pollen related health risks.

The civic agency cut nearly 28,000 to 29,000 fully grown trees about four months ago, citing compliance with Supreme Court directives to eliminate paper mulberry from the city. Officials maintained that the species had become a major contributor to seasonal allergies and respiratory illnesses, particularly among asthma patients.

However, the tree cutting triggered public criticism and environmental concerns, with observers questioning whether all the removals were strictly related to the invasive species campaign. Environmental groups pointed out that decades old trees were also cleared in H Eight during the upgrading of a public park and in Chak Shahzad for a dual carriageway linked to the CDA DHA housing project.

Field assessments by WWF Pakistan indicated that some tree removals extended beyond paper mulberry, highlighting the need for transparent and science based urban forest management in Islamabad. Environmental experts stressed that large scale infrastructure development must be balanced with sustainable urban planning.

CDA Director Environment Akhtar Rasool confirmed that the sapling request was made after consultations with federal authorities on expanding plantation efforts. However, sources in the climate ministry noted that the CDA usually relies on its own nurseries for tree planting, making the request for external saplings an unusual step.