Climate Ministry Justifies Removal of Paper Mulberry Trees in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: In response to a recent request for clarification from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Ministry of Climate Change has submitted an official written reply, detailing its rationale for removing paper mulberry trees in the federal capital. The ministry asserts that this action was taken out of environmental necessity and strictly limited to paper mulberry trees.

In its response, the ministry explained that paper mulberry is classified as a non-native species and upon review, it determined that the removal operation was confined exclusively to these trees. Other native species such as kachnar, sanbal, pine, and sukha chain were noted for their marked preservation status. The ministry emphasized that prior approval for any tree cutting requires mandatory consultation.

The ministry stated that a field inspection by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board confirmed the situation in Shakarparian and reiterated that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) must seek approval from Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) before proceeding with such operations. Furthermore, consultation with the Wildlife Management Board is also imperative for any actions taken.

Earlier this year, the CDA submitted a six-page reply to the IHC defending the removal of paper mulberry trees and stated that the initiative was approved by the Prime Minister’s Office in 2022. The committee on environmental matters, comprising entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency, had been formed in 2023 to address issues related to pollen allergies.

Research has linked paper mulberry trees to the proliferation of pollen allergies, information detailed in a 2024 article by journalist Saleem Safi. Following public concern and subsequent directives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the CDA was granted permission to remove these problematic trees in favor of eco-friendly alternatives through transparent tendering procedures.

The CDA also informed the IHC that paper mulberry trees along Islamabad Highway were removed in 2022. Now, facing public opposition, they have requested the court to dismiss the petition seeking to halt this tree-cutting operation.