Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad focused on protecting the capital’s green cover and improving air quality across the city. Officials presented a briefing on the phased removal of allergy-causing paper mulberry trees and outlined measures to manage the transition with minimal disruption to urban greenery.
The plan discussed calls for replacing paper mulberry with native, fruit-bearing and conifer species that are better suited to local ecology and public health priorities. Authorities gave assurances that for every tree removed there will be additional plantings elsewhere in the city to enhance overall canopy cover and biodiversity.
Islamabad environment protection was emphasised as a non-negotiable priority, with the federal minister directing strict adherence to environmental laws and regulations before any removal or planting action is taken. The minister reiterated that no environmental step will be implemented without full legal compliance and oversight.
Protecting the capital’s greenery and safeguarding residents’ health were framed as government responsibilities, and Dr Musadik Malik called for effective cooperation from all relevant institutions in the upcoming tree plantation campaign. Participants reviewed the current situation and agreed on coordinated next steps to ensure orderly implementation and long-term improvement of Islamabad environment.
