THE political leadership appears out of sync with the annual wrath of the elements. Scores of trees in Islamabad face the axe. Large-scale eradication of green cover has left four patches in the Shakarparian area “bald and barren”, while similar activity is underway in H-8, Chak Shahzad and Park Road. The latter’s towering trees have fallen prey to a dual carriageway project leading to Margalla Enclave. Reportedly, an interchange beside the Park Road will be constructed for the housing scheme. These steps have sparked outrage among residents and environmentalists. Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik was quick to counter the criticism over the loss of thousands of old trees. He claimed that 29,000 paper mulberry trees “which are a major cause of allergies and have caused deaths among chronic asthma patients” were cut down in line with Supreme Court orders in 2023, adding “one tree chopped is being replaced with three new saplings”.

But Dr Malik’s defence does not hold water. A large number of trees in Chak Shahzad, H-8 and Shakarparian were decades old, and did not belong to the aforementioned species. Paper mulberry trees are recognised by their light green leaves, while sheesham’s are dark green. This is a clear abuse of the law; not only is the measure unscientific, it is also a violation of the procedures specified by the Environment Protection Agency. In addition, the hurried tree plantation drive in January, an unsuitable time due to frost, is beyond counterproductive. It is time the authorities realised that many parts of the world view deforestation as a crime. Greenery is nature’s shield for extreme heat and crucial ecosystems. Thicket lowers risks from floods and landslides and improves environmental resistance to climate change. Desertification harms biodiversity and disturbs life-supporting ecosystem assistance. Forest cover must be preserved and re-established for a viable future.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026