ISLAMABAD – Government of Pakistan initiated a comprehensive campaign in last quarter of 2024 to address the long-standing issue of seasonal pollen allergies within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). This effort, focusing on the systematic management of allergenic trees, was launched in response to a high-level directive from the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, who designated the pollen issue a priority agenda. A clear roadmap for action was established following a high-level meeting on November 27, 2024, chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. Under this directive, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was tasked with executing a detailed plan for the removal of allergenic species, specifically the paper mulberry tree, and providing regular progress reports to ensure the mitigation of this severe health challenge.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, in close collaboration with the CDA, employed a rigorous scientific three-step process to ensure the complete eradication of the allergenic species. This methodology involved cutting the trees, uprooting the entire root system, and refilling the soil to prevent any future regrowth. This systematic approach resulted in the removal of 29, 115 allergenic paper mulberry trees across the Capital. It is to be noted that the eradication protocol was applied exclusively to the invasive Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry). No indigenous or non-allergenic tree species were disturbed during this campaign, and the subsequent restoration efforts focus solely on the replacement of the uprooted paper mulberry units in designated areas.
The eradication drive was implemented across major sectors and green areas of the Capital. Large-scale removal was carried out in F-9 Park (12,800 trees) and Shakarparian (8,700 trees). In urban sectors, 2,965 paper mulberry trees were cleared from G-10, G-11, F-10, F-11, D-12, and along Srinagar Highway, while additional removals included 1,405 trees in G-8, 839 in G-9, 490 in F-8, 1,142 in H-8, and 534 in H-9. This targeted operation ensured effective coverage of both high-density urban areas and major recreational zones.
Following the successful removal phase, the campaign has now transitioned into an ambitious and sustainable green restoration strategy. To maintain and enhance the city’s environment, the government has mandated that for every allergenic tree removed, three new environment-friendly, indigenous trees must be planted. In line with this policy, 40,000 indigenous and environment-friendly large trees have already been planted on sites cleared for paper mulberry. This replantation effort includes a diverse mix of fruit-bearing and pine species to ensure a healthier ecosystem. The drive has been greatly augmented by public-private partnerships, with the company MIRA Power Limited contributing 3,000 indigenous saplings and the Beaconhouse School System planting an additional 5,000 trees in the F-9 area. Furthermore, a tender for 18,000 additional large-size indigenous trees has been opened on 6th January 2026 through a partnership with OGDCL to further strengthen the restoration drive. In Shakarparian alone, 81 acres of land across three sites have been leveled and prepared, with pit-digging currently underway for the upcoming planting season. The entire project, from eradication to final replantation, will be concluded by the end of April 2026.
Statistical data from the Allergy Center Islamabad confirms that this intervention has led to a substantial improvement in masses’ health. Since the implementation of the Prime Minister’s directive under the supervision of the Minister of State, there has been a steady and significant decline in the number of patients requiring pollen allergy vaccinations. Records show that in 2023, a total of 16,250 patients were vaccinated for pollen and paper mulberry allergies. Following the launch of the eradication drive, this number dropped to 14,747 in 2024, and fell further to 12,449 by the end of 2025 marking a 23% overall reduction in cases over two years. The impact was most evident in the final months of 2025, where monthly vaccination numbers plummeted to just 512 in November and 519 in December, a sharp decrease from the 1,164 and 1,141 cases recorded in the same months of 2023. These figures provide clear evidence that the government’s decisive action against allergenic trees has directly resulted in cleaner air and a healthier, more sustainable future for the citizens of Islamabad.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
