The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from cutting trees in the federal capital until February 2, citing concerns over possible violations of environmental laws.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued a four-page written order, directing the CDA and other relevant authorities not to cut any trees in Islamabad until the next hearing.
The court issued notices to the CDA, the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environmental Protection Agency, seeking detailed replies by the next date of hearing.
According to the written order, the petitioner informed the court that trees were being cut in violation of the Environmental Protection Act. The petition further alleged that the Islamabad Wildlife Ordinance and the city’s Master Plan were also being ignored.
The court noted that, according to the petitioner, CDA officials had so far failed to explain the reasons behind the cutting of thousands of trees in different parts of the capital.
The matter will be taken up again after the submission of replies by the concerned authorities.