Naqvi vows no tree cutting at F-9 Park

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured residents that no trees will be cut and no new concrete structures will

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured residents that no trees will be cut and no new concrete structures will be built as part of the planned renovation of Islamabad’s F-9 Park.

Naqvi issued the clarification on Sunday after environmental activist and schoolteacher Usman raised concerns about the proposed changes to the capital’s largest park. Responding to a video shared by Usman on Instagram, the minister pledged to protect the park’s existing trees and natural environment.

“Let me make it absolutely clear that not a single tree will be cut, 100% guaranteed. No new concrete structures,” Naqvi said in a post on X.

The statement follows the minister’s October 21 announcement of plans to upgrade Fatima Jinnah Park, commonly known as F-9 Park, along the lines of London’s Hyde Park. The initiative also includes plans to develop four additional parks in Islamabad.

Naqvi said the proposed improvements would focus on better lighting, a lake, coffee shops and upgraded walking tracks. Thousands of additional trees would also be planted as part of the initiative.

He said the objective was to make F-9 Park greener, safer and more attractive for families and visitors, describing the public space as an important part of Islamabad’s identity.

However, Usman urged the authorities to prioritise environmental protection rather than undertake development that could damage the park’s natural character. In his video, he highlighted the park’s importance for groundwater replenishment, biodiversity and the city’s overall environmental health.

Usman said the approximately 400-acre park receives significant rainfall each year, allowing water to seep into the ground and replenish underground reserves. He called for additional tree plantation and greater diversity in plant species to improve air quality and preserve the green space for future generations.

He also cautioned against introducing large structures that could undermine the park’s natural landscape, urging the government to focus on expanding greenery instead.

The debate comes amid growing public concern over tree cutting and the loss of green cover in Islamabad. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has removed more than 29,000 paper mulberry trees from various parts of the city as part of an effort to address pollen allergies.

The operation affected locations including F-9 Park, Shakarparian and residential sectors. The authority maintained that the trees were removed on scientific and legal grounds and that suitable indigenous species would be planted in their place.

The tree-cutting campaign has faced criticism from environmental activists and residents, who have questioned the removal of mature trees and the environmental consequences of development projects.

In a February response submitted to the Islamabad High Court, the Ministry of Climate Change emphasised that prior approval was required before trees could be cut and raised concerns about the absence of consultation with relevant environmental authorities.

F-9 Park has also been part of the wider dispute. The CDA previously informed the Supreme Court that approximately 7,000 paper mulberry trees had been removed from designated areas of the park in 2024. The authority said the measure was intended to reduce pollen-related allergies and would be followed by replantation.

Naqvi’s latest assurance comes as residents and environmental advocates continue to call for stronger safeguards to protect Islamabad’s green spaces while allowing public facilities to improve.