ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA), through its partner organisations, planted 500 large-sized pine trees at the Tayyip Erdoan Interchange in Sector F-8 on Thursday as part of its plantation drive.

“Through a collaborative effort between civil society organisations and the CDA, January provides ideal weather conditions for pine tree plantation, ensuring healthy growth and long-term environmental benefits,” a CDA statement said. It added that 500 pine trees, each measuring about 12 feet in height, were planted.

It is pertinent to note that in the wake of recent controversy over tree cutting in Islamabad, the CDA has planned an extensive plantation campaign across the federal capital. The authority maintains that 29,000 paper mulberry trees were cut from various areas, including Shakarparian, while citizens have claimed that trees of other species were also felled in the area.

Despite the controversy, the civic agency has launched its plantation campaign with the support of partner organisations. According to the CDA, only pine trees and some other local species are being planted in January, as these species are suitable for plantation during this month.

The CDA has stated that the campaign will gain momentum next month, when several other species will also be planted. At present, CDA teams are actively engaged in the plantation plan.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026