Tree Cutting Near F-10/1 Signal Sparks Environmental Concerns in Islamabad
Social-media posts allege a large Safeda tree was cut near Ahmad Faraz Road; Islamabad Tribune could not independently confirm who authorised the removal or the reason behind it.
ISLAMABAD: The reported felling of a mature Safeda tree near the F-10/1 signal on Ahmad Faraz Road has triggered concern among residents and social-media users, renewing debate over the protection of Islamabad’s urban greenery.
Social Media Post Claims Tree Cut
A social-media post published on August 23 alleged that the tree was being cut and chopped by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Photographs accompanying the claim show a large freshly cut tree, workers and machinery at a green area reportedly located near the F-10/1 signal.
Official Role Yet to Be Confirmed
The allegation, however, requires official clarification. Islamabad Tribune could not independently establish whether the workers seen at the site belonged to CDA, whether the tree was removed on the authority’s instructions, or whether its removal was necessitated by disease, public-safety concerns, development work or another reason.
Tree Cutting Faces Judicial Scrutiny
The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened public and judicial scrutiny of tree cutting across Islamabad.
In January 2026, the Islamabad High Court restrained CDA from continuing a tree-cutting drive while seeking responses from the civic authority and relevant environmental bodies. In April, the IHC separately restrained CDA from cutting trees along a section of Ataturk Avenue while hearing a petition concerning road expansion.
Laws Protect Islamabad’s Greenery
Earlier official information presented in the Senate stated that Islamabad’s greenery is protected through legislation including the Landscape Act, 1967 and Forest Act, 1927. The government’s response also said that where trees are removed during execution of mega projects, replacement conditions apply and SOPs govern tree cutting.
CDA itself has publicly emphasised protection of Islamabad’s greenery. During its 2026 spring plantation campaign, the authority announced a target of planting one million environmentally friendly trees and said residents should report incidents of tree cutting to the relevant authorities.
CDA Has Previously Taken Action
The authority has also previously taken enforcement action against private parties accused of illegally cutting trees. In January, CDA said it imposed a Rs7 million fine following the cutting of around 40 trees and more than 100 shrubs on reserved forest land in Bhara Kahu.
Residents Seek Clarification
Against that policy background, residents are seeking clarity over the F-10/1 incident — particularly whether the tree was officially assessed before removal, which department authorised the action, and whether compensatory plantation is planned.
Until CDA or another competent authority provides details, claims assigning responsibility for the specific tree’s removal should be treated as allegations rather than established fact.
