ISLAMABAD: A historic campaign has been launched under a comprehensive and scientific roadmap on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to relieve the citizens of Islamabad from the serious problem of pollen allergy that has been facing them for years.
Under the campaign government to eradicate more than 29,000 ‘paper mulberry’ trees to reduce allergy cases. Under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Malik, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Ministry of National Health have jointly uprooted more than 29,115 allergy-causing paper mulberry trees from across the city.
A three-phase operation against ‘paper mulberry’ trees, the biggest cause of pollen allergy, was completed. The campaign targeted F-9 Park, Shakar Parian and major residential sectors of the city, from where 29,115 trees were removed. The government has adopted a policy of planting ‘three new trees for one tree’. So far, more than 40,000 indigenous and non-allergenic (eco-friendly) trees have been planted in the relevant areas. Moreover, tenders have been floated for 18,000 more trees in collaboration with the private sector and OGDCL.
Ecological restoration work is in full swing on an area of 81 acres in Shakar Parian, which is targeted to be completed by April 2026. Medical results and statistics: Positive results of this campaign have started to emerge. According to official data, pollen vaccination cases have decreased by 23% in the last two years. The number of allergy cases in 2025 has been reduced by less than half compared to 2023, while pollen cases were reported at a record low in November and December 2025.
According to the announcement, no damage was done to native and shade trees during this campaign, but only those specific species (pepper mulberry) that were a threat to human health were removed. This measure will not only improve the environment of Islamabad but will also provide permanent relief to asthma and allergy sufferers.
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