ISLAMABAD: Two officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have been suspended by the member environment over tree cutting in Sector F-8.

Member Environment Abdullah Khurram Niazi took action after receiving information about the cutting of three trees and branches of several others. Sources said he immediately directed the concerned wing to suspend the forest guard and forester over their alleged involvement in the cutting.

Recently, the member environment suspended three officials in the Bhara Kahu area over their alleged involvement in cases of encroachment on forest land. A forest guard in Sector I-14 was also suspended after a video showed him allegedly taking a bribe from a private contractor for dumping mud in Islamabad. The latest action brings the number of officials suspended in these cases to six.

“Yes, the member has passed an order for suspension of the two officials in question,” said Director General Environment Wing Irfan Niazi.

“In recent days, at least six officials have been suspended for their alleged wrongdoing by the member environment,” said an official.

Meanwhile, a source said the member had also reprimanded another Environment Wing official posted in Bhara Kahu over allegations of involvement in construction work on forest land. However, no action had been taken against the official so far, the source added.

“Let me appreciate the Environment Department for starting an operation cleanup, as during the last 10 days, six officials have been suspended, but there is a need to keep a close eye on officers as well,” an official said, adding that all challan tickets issued by the Environment Wing and the subsequent status of the cases should be checked, with particular focus on the Bhara Kahu range.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2026