ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday took serious notice of large scale tree cutting in Shakarparian, H Eight and along Park Road, expressing displeasure over the actions of the Capital Development Authority. According to official sources, the minister responded to media reports by directing the CDA to submit a comprehensive report explaining the removal of trees in these environmentally sensitive areas.

Sources said officials of the CDA Environment Wing remained engaged late into Tuesday evening compiling details for the report sought by the interior minister. The issue gained prominence after reports highlighted extensive tree cutting in Shakarparian, where the authority maintains that only paper mulberry trees were removed under an approved plan.

In Shakarparian, at least four patches covering more than 15 acres were cleared of trees, leaving the area visibly barren. Residents and environmental activists questioned the claim that the entire area consisted solely of paper mulberry trees. Social media users alleged that indigenous species were also cut, pointing to the drastic change in the landscape and loss of natural shade.

Locals noted that the stretch of Shakarparian Road, once known as Thandi Sarak for its dense tree cover, now appears unusually open. Visibility has increased to the extent that the Islamabad Expressway is clearly visible, reinforcing concerns about rising temperatures and long term environmental damage.

Tree cutting has also been reported along the greenbelt in H Eight during park development work and near Park Road for the construction of a highway linking Margalla Enclave Housing Scheme. Sources confirmed that the Park Road project was initiated without a public hearing or Environmental Impact Assessment, an issue also flagged by the interior minister for review.

The controversy dominated social media discussions, with senior journalists warning that unchecked tree cutting could erode Islamabad’s reputation as a green city. While the CDA cited vegetation index data showing an overall increase in green cover, critics questioned the authority’s explanations, particularly its silence on tree removal in Shakarparian, H Eight and Park Road, calling for a transparent inquiry and accountability.