Islamabad has recorded a net increase of more than 9,000 acres of green cover, according to a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis comparing January 2023 and December 2025.
The data reveals a significant expansion of vegetation in the Margalla Hills, highlighting improved forest and natural cover in the region. However, the analysis also notes a decline in green cover in some sectoral areas, primarily due to planned urban development.
NDVI maps show green shades representing newly added or enhanced vegetation, while red markings indicate built-up or developed areas.
Overall, the findings confirm that Islamabad’s total green cover has increased, demonstrating a positive environmental trend that continues alongside the city’s urban expansion.
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Wjere to see Ted and green areas where vegetation has been reduced or increased ?
You must read news in detail before posting.
Rija or Shoaib or Raja Shoaib please consider it.
Sorry for few spelling mistakes.
In the entire urban area of Islamabad, including the escorts traditionally green F6, F7, F8, I8, H8, G6 we have only seen decade old trees chopped down. Like the recent entire green belt devastation between H8 and the Expressway. And for what? Or between H8 and zero point for the e-bus depot. What good are e-buses if you end up cutting hundreds of old trees to create parking space for them.
After this claiming vegetation increased in the Margalla national park, no one would believe it. It’s just a way to avoid criticism by this regime that turned Lahore into a concrete jungle and is now after Islamabad. Like they say, Jungle Mai moor nacha, kis nay deekha.
In my view Margalla hills also include areas outside MHNP . There is extensive construction on KP side and also around Rawal dam. So if included , there would be decrease in green cover.
With due respect, the claim that Islamabad offers a “good breath of fresh air” or that green areas and plantation are increasing appears disconnected from ground realities. Such statements resemble a stock exchange style joke, where the Pakistani economy is deteriorating day by day, yet media narratives repeatedly portray it as moving toward prosperity. The rhetoric sounds optimistic, but the reality tells a very different story.
The situation in Islamabad is no different. Severe and ongoing deforestation is taking place due to unchecked concrete development. In the name of housing societies and commercial projects, vast green belts, forested areas, and natural landscapes are being demolished. Even the rural and peripheral zones of Islamabad have not been spared; they are rapidly being converted into residential plots, resulting in irreversible environmental damage.
A similar and alarming example can be seen in the city of Multan, where a housing society cut down hundreds of acres of more than 70 year old productive mango trees which is a priceless natural and economic asset only to convert the land into residential plotting. This reflects a broader national pattern where long-term ecological wealth is sacrificed for short-term commercial gains.
Islamabad’s natural beauty and forest cover are being systematically destroyed, not enhanced. Therefore, if claims of increased forestation apply to another city or a specific, limited pocket, it would be appropriate to clearly disclose that location. Otherwise, such assertions require serious reconsideration in light of current environmental realities.
I fully endorse Mr Akram Javed Kayani’s remarks!!!