Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought a detailed report on the large-scale cutting of trees in Islamabad after more than 29,000 paper mulberry (wild mulberry) trees were removed from different parts of the capital, including some over 50 years old.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also asked the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to provide full details of the operation and ensure appropriate compensatory measures for each tree cut.

According to officials, the CDA began awarding contracts last year to remove paper mulberry trees from areas including Shakarparian, F-9 Park and Srinagar Highway. The authority maintains that the trees were cut due to their role in causing seasonal allergies.

However, environmental experts and citizen groups have criticised the move, saying the large-scale cutting contradicts global efforts to expand urban green cover. They also allege that other environmentally friendly trees were damaged during the operation.

CDA Director General Environment Irfan Azeem Niazi said fruit-bearing and pine trees would be planted in place of the removed paper mulberry trees. He said the plantation would focus on local species suitable for the capital’s climate.

Following public concern, a high-level meeting on environmental protection in Islamabad was held under Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik.

Officials briefed the meeting on the phased removal of allergy-causing paper mulberry trees and the planned replacement strategy.

Authorities assured that more trees would be planted than those removed, and that the plantation would include native and fruit-bearing species.

The minister stressed that Islamabad’s green cover must be protected at all costs and that no environmental step would be taken without strict compliance with laws and regulations.

Dr Musadik Malik said improving the capital’s environment was a government priority and that protecting citizens’ health was a state responsibility.

He also called for coordinated efforts among all institutions to strengthen plantation drives and safeguard urban forests.

The prime minister has directed that responsibility be fixed, and that future actions be aligned with environmental laws and sustainability goals.