Posted on January, 13 2026

 In recent weeks, tree cutting across parts of Islamabad has drawn significant public attention, particularly where it overlaps with development and infrastructure activities. WWF-Pakistan’s field assessments and documentation provide evidence of the scale and impact of these operations, showing that not all tree removal is limited to Paper Mulberry or driven solely by public health concerns related to pollen and allergies. This underscores the need for structured, transparent, and science-driven urban tree management. 
 
WWF-Pakistan’s field observations show that while a portion of recent tree removal is associated with Paper Mulberry management for public health reasons; significant vegetation loss is linked to unplanned infrastructure development. Along the H-8 Islamabad Expressway (the proposed monument site) and the Margalla Enclave Link Road, land clearing has resulted in urban tree and vegetation cover loss across five hectares and 10-15 hectares respectively.   
 
According to Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Director Forests WWF-Pakistan, “Any infrastructure-related tree removal must be preceded by legally compliant environmental impact assessments (EIAs), followed by transparent disclosure and avoidance-first planning to ensure long term ecological integrity.”  
 
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has stated that Paper Mulberry removal addresses public health concerns related to seasonal allergies. WWF-Pakistan supports the management of invasive species, while stressing that all removal activities must maintain ecological safeguards to protect Islamabad’s urban tree cover.  
 
Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is a non-native and highly invasive species in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Male trees produce allergenic pollen and female trees bear fruit. The species has aggressively colonised natural vegetation pockets, peri-urban areas, and parts of the Margalla foothills, suppressing native tree regeneration, ground flora, and associated wildlife habitats. Its rapid growth, dense canopy formation, allelopathic effects, and ability to regenerate vegetatively and through seed dispersal makes complete eradication impractical.  
 
 “Large-scale removal such as this disturbs soils, damages understory vegetation, displaces urban wildlife, and risks unintended removal of native species and natural regeneration”, warned Khan. 
 
WWF-Pakistan has put forward a structured strategy for the gradual management and replacement of Paper Mulberry in the capital. The approach uses priority-based zoning, supported by GIS mapping to assess the species’ extent, density, and dominance, enabling evidence-informed decisions rather than uniform, citywide clearance. Priority zones include high-pollen exposure areas, such as schools and hospitals, and sites where Paper Mulberry dominance has suppressed natural vegetation. WWF recommends targeted removal of pollen-producing male trees in high exposure areas, ecological stump and root management to prevent re-sprouting, and on-site replacement with native and naturalised species, within appropriate seasonal plantation windows, followed by sustained post-plantation management to support urban ecological resilience. All activities must comply with legal requirements, with complete and transparent EIAs.  
 
WWF-Pakistan’s complete science-based strategy for ‘Gradual Removal and Replacement of Paper Mulberry in Islamabad Capital Territory’ can be accessed at https://wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/science-based-strategy-for-removal-of-paper-mulberry.pdf 
 
An earlier report on ‘Tree Removal, Paper Mulberry Eradication, and Land Clearing Activities’ can be found at https://wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/report-on-tree-removal--paper-mulberry-eradication--and-land-clearing-activities-in-i_1.pdf