Islamabad Loses Trees to Infrastructure and Military Projects Amid Legal Challenge
Islamabad lost 14 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2024 due to infrastructure and military projects, with a court case ongoing to halt large-scale tree cutting.
- This year, Islamabad has seen mass tree felling for infrastructure and military monuments, prompting Muhammad Naveed to file a lawsuit against large-scale tree cutting.
- Authorities justify some removals as measures against pollen allergies, with Abdul Razzaq, Capital Development Authority official, saying `The main reason is pollen allergy`.
- Monitoring groups documented that Islamabad lost tree cover equal to 20 football pitches between 2001 and 2024, with WWF-Pakistan recording clearing at a proposed military monument site.
- Residents report rising respiratory problems, and WWF-Pakistan notes no good air quality days last month due to tree clearing for infrastructure and military projects, critics say.
- Experts recommend careful urban planning, replanting with non-allergenic species and greater transparency, while the Pakistan military did not respond to AFP and critics warn pollen claims may mask wider clearing.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Pakistan’s capital picks concrete over trees, angering residents
Islamabad was once known for its lush greenery, but the felling of trees across the city for infrastructure and military monuments has prompted local anger and even lawsuits. Built in the 1960s, the city was planned as a green city, with wide avenues, parks and tree-lined sectors. Many residents fear that vision is steadily being eroded, with concrete replacing green spaces. Muhammad Naveed took the authorities to court this year over “large-sca…
Pakistan's capital picks concrete over trees, angering residents
Pakistan's capital Islamabad was once known for its lush greenery, but the felling of trees across the city for infrastructure and military monuments has prompted local anger and even lawsuits.
Islamabad Picks Concrete Over Trees, Angering Residents
This photograph taken on January 13, 2026 shows ongoing construction work after felling trees near the Shakarparian forest in Islamabad. — AFP ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was once known for its lush greenery, but the felling of trees across the city for infrastructure has prompted local anger and even lawsuits. Built in the 1960s, Islamabad was planned as a green city, with wide avenues, parks, and tree-lined sectors. Many resident…
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