Islamabad replaces trees with infrastructure, prompting resident anger

Large-scale tree clearing in Islamabad for roads, monuments and other infrastructure has reduced urban tree cover and prompted complaints; a court challenge over the removals is still being heard.

Islamabad was planned in the 1960s as a green city with wide avenues, parks and tree-lined sectors. In recent years, residents and conservation groups say large areas of trees and natural vegetation have been cleared for new infrastructure and monument projects. Officials cite pollen allergies and pre-approved development regulations as reasons for some removals. Key facts: - Authorities, including the Capital Development Authority, say some tree removals respond to pollen allergy concerns and follow existing project approvals. - Environmental groups and satellite data show substantial clearing: Global Forest Watch records a net loss of about 14 hectares of tree cover in Islamabad between 2001 and 2024. - The World Wide Fund for Nature documented more than six hectares cleared at a proposed monument site and reported plans to remove roughly 29,000 pollen-producing trees and plants. - A resident, Muhammad Naveed, has brought a legal challenge to halt widespread felling; the court case is ongoing. Summary: Reported large-scale clearing has reduced parts of the capital's urban tree cover and prompted public concern about the loss of green spaces. A legal challenge seeking to stop the removals remains before the courts, and the immediate outcome is undetermined at this time.