Government Unveils Comprehensive Strategy to Tackle Islamabad's Pollen Crisis Through Paper Mulberry Removal
Minister of State for National Health Services Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik presented a detailed briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Wednesday, outlining the federal government's intensified efforts to control the invasive Paper Mulberry tree and restore the ecological balance of Islamabad. The briefing, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, highlighted growing public health concerns directly linked to seasonal pollen emissions from this non-native species.
Paper Mulberry Identified as Primary Pollen Source
Dr Malik informed the committee that the Paper Mulberry, originally introduced to the capital decades ago, now contributes approximately 94 per cent of Islamabad's total pollen load. This invasive tree species has been responsible for severe pollen outbreaks affecting residents for over two decades, with recorded pollen counts reaching alarming peaks of 82,000 grains per cubic meter in 2022.
Significant Health Impacts and Management Goals
The minister explained that the tree's lightweight pollen particles penetrate deep into human lungs, triggering serious respiratory conditions including:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma attacks
- Various other respiratory complications
Dr Malik emphasized that the ongoing management programme aims to achieve substantial public health improvements, with expectations to:
- Reduce pollen-related respiratory allergies by more than 40 per cent
- Decrease pressure on healthcare facilities during peak pollen seasons
Encouraging Data and Removal Progress
Sharing data compiled by the National Institutes of Health, the minister reported positive trends in allergy statistics:
- Reported late-year allergy cases dropped from over 2,300 in 2023 to 1,031 in 2025
- Overall allergy prevalence declined from 45.8 per cent to 33.3 per cent during the same period
Regarding removal operations, authorities have identified approximately 80,000 Paper Mulberry trees across Islamabad, with more than 29,000 already removed from high-density areas including F-9 Park and Shakarparian. The Ministry, in coordination with the Capital Development Authority, follows a rigorous three-step removal process:
- Cutting the trees
- Uprooting the stumps
- Soil compaction to prevent regrowth
Ecological Restoration and Future Planning
The committee learned that tree removal is being systematically accompanied by comprehensive ecological restoration efforts. Under a carefully designed 3:1 replacement policy, authorities are planting three indigenous trees for every Paper Mulberry removed.
By April 2026, approximately 90,000 native species including Kachnar, Amaltas, and Pilkan are expected to be planted with support from both public and private sector partners. This initiative aligns with international urban environmental health practices and, upon completion, is projected to bring sustained control over seasonal pollen levels and related illnesses throughout the federal capital.
Dr Malik concluded that this multi-faceted approach represents a significant step toward creating a healthier urban environment for Islamabad's residents while restoring the region's natural ecological balance.
