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Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from cutting trees in the federal capital and sought a detailed report on the matter.<\/strong><\/p>\n Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard a petition filed by Muhammad Naveed Ahmed, who requested the court to stop unlawful tree felling in Islamabad.<\/p>\n During the hearing, the petitioner\u2019s lawyer argued that large-scale cutting of trees was being carried out in violation of rules and regulations, causing serious environmental damage and contributing to climate change.<\/p>\n The counsel further contended that the ongoing tree removal violates the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act and poses a grave threat to the city\u2019s ecological balance.<\/p>\n The court summoned the Assistant Attorney General to the rostrum and questioned the reason for cutting trees.<\/p>\n Following the hearing, the IHC issued notices to the CDA, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, directing them to submit parawise replies along with a detailed report at the next hearing.<\/p>\n The court ordered the CDA to halt all tree-cutting activities until further notice and adjourned the hearing until February 2.<\/p>\n According to reports, large-scale tree removal has recently taken place at several locations in Islamabad, including acres of green cover in the Shakarparian area.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the CDA has maintained that 29,115 paper mulberry trees were removed as part of a government-approved initiative, citing their role in causing pollen allergies.<\/p>\n Earlier, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik stated that three trees would be planted for every tree cut.<\/p>\n He said the paper mulberry trees were removed only after scientific identification and assessment, and that indigenous species were being planted as part of reforestation efforts.<\/p>\n Dr. Malik made these remarks during a media briefing following his visit to Shakarparian, where he reviewed the tree-cutting process and plantation drive. He warned that strict action would be taken if any negligence or violation of environmental laws was found.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n