ISLAMABAD:
Concerned citizens and experts speaking at a webinar expressed their apprehensions 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 highlighted that the city’s green spaces were gradually being replaced by concrete due to weak governance, elite capture and a persistent conflict between populist decision-making and science-based professional planning.
One of the key outcomes of the discussion was a strong call for a new collaborative approach to sustainable urban development through the creation of a dedicated think tank, focused on Islamabad. Participants highlighted the need to bring together independent professionals, policymakers, civil society and creative communities, including architects, designers and artists, to develop long-term, people-centered solutions.
The webinar highlighted that environmental degradation is not only an ecological problem but also a major public health concern, making citizen engagement and collective responsibility essential. The session concluded with the shared belief 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 on Saturday by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) on the theme “Islamabad’s Green Future – Confronting Irrational Development”.
It brought together environmental experts, policy makers, members of civil society and concerned citizens to deliberate on the growing environmental challenges facing the Pakistani capital.
Dr Tariq Banuri, a renowned environmental expert, noted that environmental protection efforts were undermined by institutional weaknesses, as well as the marginalization, and sometimes harassment, of environmental professionals and activists working to save protected hills, forests and wildlife habitats.
The participants agreed that without transparent, democratic and inclusive governance, the ecological balance of Islamabad would continue to deteriorate. Dr Banuri focused on the environmental consequences of rapid and often unplanned urban development and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable governance models that balance economic growth and environmental conservation.
