ISLAMABAD:
Concerned citizens and experts speaking at a webinar expressed fears 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 a persistent conflict between populist decision-making and science-based professional planning.
A key outcome of the debate was a strong call for a new collaborative approach to sustainable urban development through the establishment of a specialized think tank focused on Islamabad. Participants emphasized the need to bring together independent professionals, policymakers, civil society and creative communities, including architects, designers and artists, to develop long-term people-centred solutions.
The webinar underlined that environmental degradation was not only an ecological issue but also a major public health problem, so citizen participation and collective responsibility were essential. The session concluded with a shared determination that Islamabad’s green future depends on informed decision-making, institutional reform 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 on the topic ‘Islamabad’s Green Future: Tackling Irrational Development’.
It brought together environmental experts, policymakers, members of civil society and concerned citizens to deliberate on the growing environmental challenges facing Pakistan’s capital.
Renowned environmental expert Dr Tariq Banuri highlighted that environmental protection efforts were being undermined by institutional weaknesses, as well as the marginalization, and sometimes harassment, of environmental professionals and activists working to safeguard 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 underlined the urgent need for sustainable governance models that balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
