ISLAMABAD: In one of the most extensive public health–linked environmental interventions undertaken in the federal capital, the Government of Pakistan has reported tangible progress in mitigating seasonal pollen allergies through the large-scale removal of invasive paper mulberry trees and a parallel ecological restoration drive across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Launched in the last quarter of 2024 on the direct instructions of the Prime Minister, the campaign was framed as a priority public health initiative after years of rising pollen-related respiratory illnesses in the capital. A clear operational roadmap was finalized at a high-level meeting on November 27, 2024, chaired by the Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, following which the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was assigned responsibility for execution, monitoring, and reporting. According to official figures, the campaign focused exclusively on Broussonetiapapyrifera (paper mulberry), an invasive and highly allergenic species widely identified by health experts as the principal cause of Islamabad’s spring pollen surge. Authorities emphasized that a strict scientific protocol was followed during eradication, involving cutting the tree, uprooting the complete root system, and refilling the soil to prevent re-growth. Officials stressed that no indigenous or non-allergenic tree species were removed during the operation. In total, 29,115 paper mulberry trees were eradicated across the capital. The largest clearances were carried out in major green and recreational areas, including F-9 Park, where 12,800 trees were removed, and Shakarparian, where 8,700 trees were cleared. In residential and mixed-use sectors, removals included 2,965 trees from G-10, G-11, F-10, F-11, D-12, and along Srinagar Highway. Additional operations cleared 1,405 trees in G-8, 839 in G-9, 490 in F-8, 1,142 in H-8, and 534 in H-9, ensuring coverage of both densely populated neighbourhoods and key urban corridors. With the removal phase largely completed, the government has shifted focus to a long-term green restoration strategy aimed at restoring ecological balance and preventing future allergen dominance. Under official policy, three indigenous, environment-friendly trees are to be planted for every paper mulberry removed. So far, 40,000 large indigenous trees have already been planted at cleared sites. These include a mix of fruit-bearing and pine species selected for lower allergenic impact and environmental sustainability. The replantation effort has been supported through public-private collaboration. MIRA Power Limited contributed 3,000 indigenous saplings, while the Beaconhouse School System planted 5,000 trees in the F-9 Park area. In addition, a tender for 18,000 more large-size indigenous trees was opened on January 6, 2026, in partnership with OGDCL, to further scale up plantation efforts. In Shakarparian alone, 81 acres across three sites have been levelled and prepared, with pit-digging underway ahead of the upcoming planting season. Officials say the entire eradication-to-restoration cycle is expected to be completed by end-April 2026. Health indicators suggest early positive outcomes from the intervention. Data from the Allergy Centre Islamabad shows a consistent decline in pollen allergy vaccination cases following the launch of the campaign. While 16,250 patients required pollen-related vaccinations in 2023, the number declined to 14,747 in 2024 and further dropped to 12,449 by the end of 2025, reflecting an overall reduction of approximately 23 percent over two years. The impact was particularly visible in late 2025, with monthly cases falling to 512 in November and 519 in December, compared to 1,164 and 1,141 respectively during the same months of 2023. Officials describe the figures as strong evidence of a direct link between environmental management and improved public health outcomes. However, experts note that sustained monitoring, strict prevention of regrowth, and long-term maintenance of newly planted indigenous trees will be essential to ensure that the gains are not reversed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026