Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, chaired a high-level meeting to review and discuss measures for environmental protection and preservation of green cover in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior, Mr. Talal Chaudhry; Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Mr. Muhammad Ali Randhawa; Secretary Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Ms. Aisha Moriana; and senior representatives from CDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Interior.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister was briefed on the ongoing campaign aimed at reducing the number of non-native Paper Mulberry trees in Islamabad. It was highlighted that Paper Mulberry is an allergenic species and a major contributor to severe allergies and asthma-related health issues among residents of the federal capital. The campaign focuses on the selective removal of Paper Mulberry trees in areas where their concentration exceeds 90 percent such as Shakarparian, F9 Park, and along H8 and H9 sectors, among others, and replacing them with native, fruit-bearing trees and pine species.
The Minister was further informed that, to safeguard Islamabad’s green cover, plans are underway to plant more trees against every tree removed under the campaign, ensuring that the city’s overall tree cover is not reduced. Plans for replantation include the installation of mature native trees to accelerate ecological recovery. The meeting also discussed the need for enhanced coordination among the EPA, CDA, and the Ministry of Climate Change to ensure timely plantation activities during the upcoming spring season. Emphasis was placed on synchronised planning and execution to maximise environmental and public health benefits.
Dr. Musadik Malik stressed the importance of streamlining processes and strengthening communication among relevant ministries, environmental protection agencies such as EPA and IWMB, and CDA. He directed that a transparent, well-defined, and streamlined mechanism be developed to ensure full compliance with existing laws, rules, and procedures related to permissions and licensing for such environmental campaigns. A comprehensive stocktaking of the current situation was conducted, and it was agreed that all concerned stakeholders would continue close coordination on future steps, particularly regarding tree plantation initiatives.
