Islamabad, January 30, 2026: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on Friday expressed grave concern over large-scale tree felling across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and the lack of effective coordination among relevant authorities. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Munaza Hassan, MNA, at the Parliament House, Islamabad.
During a detailed briefing by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MOCC&EC) in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Committee examined the legal basis, justification, and environmental impact of recent tree-cutting activities, including the removal of paper mulberry trees and other species in various sectors of Islamabad.
The Committee noted with concern the absence of key stakeholders, including the Chairman CDA and the Federal Minister and Minister of State for Climate Change, observing that non-attendance undermines parliamentary oversight. While CDA claimed that Islamabad’s green cover has increased through compensatory plantation and transplantation measures, the Committee emphasized that post-facto assurances cannot replace prior planning, environmental assessment, and statutory compliance, particularly in protected areas such as the Margalla Hills National Park.
Serious concerns were raised regarding:
- The lack of environmental impact studies prior to tree removal.
- Cutting trees in designated brown areas without ecological cost-benefit analysis.
- Weak institutional coordination between CDA, Pak-EPA, and other regulatory authorities.
- The non-functional state of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Pakistan Climate Change Authority, which impairs effective environmental governance.
- Air quality and emissions monitoring, with concerns over the absence of a coordinated plan in the federal capital.
The Committee directed the CDA to submit the Islamabad Master Plan, clearly demarcating green and brown areas with supporting satellite imagery, along with site-wise data on tree removal and reforestation, including species affected and replanted. Expert studies and technical assessments justifying the removal of paper mulberry trees were also required, along with a verification report from IWMB regarding tree-cutting in sensitive and protected areas. The Committee further emphasized improved institutional coordination and strict compliance with environmental laws.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Rana Ansar, Shaista Pervaiz, Syeda Shehla Raza, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Tamkeen Niazi, Shahida Rahmani, Bilal Farooq Tarar, and Tahira Aurangzeb, along with senior officials from MOCC&EC, CDA, and Pak-EPA.
