The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday extended its injunction against tree cutting in the federal capital and adjourned the hearing until February 13.
Justice Khadem Hussain Soomro continued the stay order while hearing petitions challenging the felling of trees in Islamabad.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) told the court that trees were removed for construction linked to the Ma’araka-e-Haq monument, but the judge stressed the importance of preserving urban greenery.
The court also directed that all pending cases related to tree cutting be heard together on the next date.
Earlier, the court had ordered the CDA to immediately halt tree cutting and submit a detailed report after petitions alleged illegal felling in violation of environmental laws.
The issue has sparked public concern after officials revealed that over 29,000 trees were removed, although authorities claim thousands of new trees have been planted and more plantations are planned.
The CDA maintains that only paper mulberry trees, blamed for severe pollen allergies, were removed.
However, environmental groups argue that tree removal has extended beyond allergenic species and is linked to expanding infrastructure projects, raising concerns about the city’s environmental future.
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