The recent felling of trees in Islamabad’s Shakarpadia area has sparked widespread concern among citizens and environmentally conscious groups. However, the Federal Development Authority (CDA) has claimed that not a single environment-friendly tree was cut down, and three trees have been planted in its place.
This controversy began when the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) land in Chak Shahzad was cleared of its environment-friendly trees without permission. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has served notices to the housing society for cutting down the trees without permission. The housing society had cleared 2 acres of land from NIH for its Link Road project without obtaining permission from the CDA or any relevant authority.
Dr. Mosaad Malik, the federal minister for climate change, said that a notice had been received regarding the unauthorized cutting down of trees from NIH’s land. Dr. Zigm, the spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency, said that an environment impact assessment is mandatory for any construction work.
The federal minister for the environment, Dr. Mosaad Malik, told Geo News that no construction is taking place in any green area. However, he added that the housing society is in line with Islamabad’s master plan, but failing to conduct an environment impact assessment may result in a fine.
Iran has advised Pakistani citizens residing there to exercise extreme caution, vigilance, and reduce unnecessary travel. Both countries have expressed their commitment to security cooperation.
Polling for the Islamabad Bar Association’s annual elections has begun. Three days ago, a 17-year-old girl was shot dead by her brother. Police have praised the role of security forces and law enforcement agencies in protecting the nation’s lives and property.
According to the Ministry of Meteorology, the city may experience dry weather for 24 hours, with cold temperatures at night. A fire broke out in a flat on the first floor of a building after an explosion. Police have said that the deceased were linked to a separatist group.
The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Madthar Tipu, said that Pakistani citizens can contact him for assistance 24/7. Rana Mashud Ahmed Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Program, asked why the PTI chairman is afraid of facing the courts if the case is fabricated.
In Karachi, one dacoit was killed and one injured in a police encounter near the Mahmoodabad area. Five incidents of robbery and pickpocketing occurred in Islamabad within a day. The Najma Commission Board has established a transaction committee for the privatization of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Supply Company (SEPCO).
According to Bloomberg, Turkey is in talks with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to join their defense alliance, and a deal may be reached soon.
