Govt to Cut Pollen Allergy-Causing Trees in Islamabad

Following directives from the Prime Minister to address pollen allergy in the federal capital, stakeholders have decided to remove approximately 80,000 to 100,000 wild mulberry trees and restrict the sale of parthenium plants at flower shops across Islamabad.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharat, the PM’s National Coordinator on Health, stated that proactive measures are being implemented in Islamabad to combat pollen allergy. He highlighted that, according to environmental experts, wild mulberry trees are a primary source of allergies due to their abundance. As part of the plan, these trees are being removed in phases.

“There are an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 wild mulberry trees, which will be removed. To replace them, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has already planted one million eco-friendly trees under the allergy eradication initiative,” said Dr. Bharat. He added that the CDA plans to plant an additional 300,000 to 400,000 trees, aiming to remove paper mulberry trees by mid-year completely.

Special measures have also been taken to control allergens in F-9 Park, and a strict ban on the sale of parthenium plants in the city’s flower shops has been proposed. Dr. Bharat explained that parthenium, a toxic weed, is a significant trigger for respiratory allergies. The Directorate of Municipal Administration has been instructed to enforce this ban to prevent its use in floral arrangements.