Climate Ministry Defends Mulberry Trees Cutting in Islamabad

Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday that paper mulberry trees are classified as a non-native species and their removal is considered permissible.

The statement was made in a written reply submitted in an ongoing case related to tree cutting in the federal capital.

In its response, the ministry said a review found that the tree-cutting operation was limited to paper mulberry trees. Other species, including kachnar, sumbal, pine, and sukh chain, were marked and preserved.

The ministry stated that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) carried out plantation at alternative sites after the trees were removed.

However, the ministry also noted that prior approval is mandatory for any tree-cutting activity. It said the current operation was conducted without consultation.

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board conducted a field inspection in the Shakarparian area after receiving public complaints.

According to the ministry, the CDA is required to obtain approval from the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) before undertaking such activity. Consultation with the Wildlife Management Board is also mandatory.

Upon learning of the tree cutting, the ministry wrote to the interior secretary to express its concerns. It also informed the court that Pak-EPA had written to the CDA’s member environment, emphasizing the need for joint planning and consultation.

The case against tree cutting in Islamabad remains under hearing before the IHC.

Islamabad was once known for its greenery, but the removal of trees across the city for infrastructure projects has led to public anger and legal challenges.

According to Global Forest Watch, Islamabad lost 14 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2024 — an area equal to 20 football fields. The figure does not account for tree cover gains during the same period.