A contempt petition was filed before the Islamabad High Court against the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for allegedly violating a clear court order by initiating the uprooting and transplantation of trees as part of a road expansion project in Islamabad.
The petition arises from ongoing proceedings in a writ petition filed on January 15, 2026, in which the Islamabad High Court had expressly restrained the CDA from cutting trees in the federal capital until further orders.
The case involves large-scale tree cutting in environmentally sensitive areas, including Shakarparian, and seeks to protect citizens’ fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment.
Despite the standing stay order, the CDA has reportedly begun work on the expansion of Ataturk Avenue from D-Chowk to Ayub Chowk. The project includes the removal and “transplantation” of mature trees within the road alignment.
According to a report published in Dawn, CDA officials acknowledged that several trees have already been uprooted, with more planned.
The petition argues that calling the activity “transplantation” does not bypass the court’s order. It states that uprooting mature trees in urban areas often leads to their destruction and causes irreversible environmental damage, placing the activity within the scope of the court’s prohibition.
It further alleges that the CDA’s actions amount to willful and deliberate disobedience of a lawful court order, undermining judicial authority and the rule of law. The CDA chairman has been named as the principal contemnor for failing to ensure compliance.
The petition warns that continued work could cause irreparable environmental damage and render the pending writ proceedings ineffective.
The petitioner has requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings, summon the chairman and other officials for personal appearance, halt all ongoing work, and order remedial and accountability measures.
The petitioner, Muhammad Naveed Ahmad, through his counsel Mudassir Latif Abbasi, Advocate, said the development has raised serious concerns among environmental advocates and citizens regarding compliance with court orders and the protection of Islamabad’s shrinking green cover.