The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to immediately stop the cutting of trees in the federal capital, taking notice of concerns raised over environmental protection and public interest. The court also issued notices to the CDA, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), and the Ministry of Climate Change, seeking detailed responses on the matter.
The order was passed by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro of the Islamabad High Court while hearing a petition filed by a citizen, Muhammad Naveed Ahmed. The petitioner approached the court against the alleged cutting of trees by the CDA, arguing that such actions were causing environmental damage and violating laws meant to protect green spaces in Islamabad.
During the hearing, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro expressed concern over the impact of indiscriminate tree cutting on the environment, especially in a city that was originally planned to be eco-friendly and rich in greenery. The court observed that trees play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance, improving air quality, and combating the effects of climate change.
The court issued a clear directive restraining the CDA from carrying out any further tree cutting until the matter is decided. In addition to halting the activity, the IHC issued notices to the CDA, Pak-EPA, and the Ministry of Climate Change, making them respondents in the case and seeking their explanations.
The court has also asked all parties to submit clause-by-clause replies to the petition along with a comprehensive report by February 2. The detailed report is expected to explain the reasons behind the tree cutting, the legal permissions obtained, environmental impact assessments, and the measures taken to mitigate environmental harm.
According to the petitioner, large-scale tree cutting has been carried out in various parts of Islamabad under different development projects without proper environmental assessments or public consultation. The petition states that such actions are in violation of environmental laws, court precedents, and constitutional provisions that guarantee citizens the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Environmental activists and civil society members have repeatedly raised concerns about the reduction of green cover in Islamabad, warning that unchecked development and deforestation could worsen air pollution, increase temperatures, and reduce the city’s resilience to climate change. Islamabad has already experienced rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality in recent years, making environmental protection an urgent issue.
Legal experts note that Pakistani courts, including the Supreme Court and high courts, have consistently emphasized the importance of environmental protection. The right to a healthy environment has been interpreted as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 9 of the Constitution. Courts have previously restrained government authorities from carrying out activities that could cause irreversible environmental damage.
The involvement of the Ministry of Climate Change and Pak-EPA in the case highlights the broader implications of the issue. The court is likely to examine whether environmental regulations, including environmental impact assessments and approvals, were properly followed before allowing any tree cutting. It may also assess the role of regulatory bodies in monitoring and enforcing environmental laws.
Officials from the CDA have not yet issued a detailed public response to the court’s order. However, sources indicate that the authority is expected to submit its report within the given timeframe, explaining the purpose of the development activities and the steps taken to ensure environmental compliance.
The court’s decision has been welcomed by environmentalists, who see it as a positive step toward protecting Islamabad’s natural landscape. Many have called for sustainable development practices that balance infrastructure needs with environmental conservation.
The case is expected to set an important precedent regarding urban development and environmental governance in the capital. Observers believe the court may issue further directions after reviewing the reports submitted by the concerned authorities.
