ISLAMABAD:
Concerned citizens and experts speaking at a webinar raised concerns over the growing environmental crisis in Islamabad, caused by rapid, unplanned and largely irreversible urban development by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and various housing societies in violation of zoning rules and regulations.
Speakers emphasized that the city’s green spaces were steadily being replaced by concrete due to weak governance, elite capture, and an ongoing conflict between populist decision-making and professional, science-based planning.
A key outcome of the discussion was a strong call for a new, collaborative approach to sustainable urban development through the establishment of a dedicated, Islamabad-focused think tank. Participants emphasized the need to bring together independent professionals, policy makers, civil society and creative communities, including architects, designers and artists, to develop long-term, people-centred solutions.
The webinar emphasized that environmental degradation was not only an ecological problem, but also a major public health problem, making citizen involvement and collective responsibility essential. The session concluded with a joint decision that Islamabad’s green future depends on informed decision-making, institutional reforms and sustained public participation in shaping the city’s development trajectory.
The thought provoking webinar was organized by Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) on Saturday with the theme “Islamabad’s Green Future – Coping with Irrational Development”.
It brought together environmental experts, policy makers, members of civil society and concerned citizens to discuss the growing environmental challenges facing Pakistan’s capital.
The renowned environmental expert Dr. Tariq Banuri highlighted that environmental protection efforts were undermined by institutional weaknesses as well as the marginalization and sometimes harassment of environmental professionals and activists working to protect protected hills, forests and wildlife habitats.
Participants agreed that without transparent, democratic and inclusive governance, Islamabad’s ecological balance would continue to deteriorate. Dr. Banuri focused on the environmental consequences of rapid and often unplanned urban development and emphasized the urgent need for sustainable governance models that balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
