WWF-Pakistan has expressed serious concerns about ongoing and proposed development activities near the Margalla Hills National Park, cautioning that unchecked expansion in these sensitive foothill areas could lead to significant ecological harm.
In a recent statement, the organisation highlighted assessments conducted earlier this year that revealed extensive tree felling and land clearance across parts of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). These findings, coupled with media coverage, have alarmed environmentalists, civil society, and the general public.
The Margalla Hills ecosystem is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and environmental balance in Islamabad. The park and its surrounding areas provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species, including important bird and mammal populations. Additionally, the ecosystem functions as a natural air purifier and water filtration system for the capital.
WWF-Pakistan warned that development close to the park, even within designated buffer zones, threatens to cause long-lasting and potentially irreversible damage. Key risks include habitat fragmentation, disruption of wildlife corridors, and degradation of ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and local climate regulation.
Field observations by the organisation indicate that the combined effects of road construction, land clearing, and infrastructure growth are already evident in certain locations. Notably, development along routes like the Margalla Enclave Link Road and adjacent foothills has contributed to measurable environmental decline.
While some tree removal may be related to efforts to control invasive species, WWF-Pakistan stressed that the scale and pattern of clearing point to broader development pressures impacting the landscape.
Concerns have grown following recent official remarks suggesting large-scale projects in the Margalla foothills, including hotels, sports complexes, and related infrastructure. WWF-Pakistan noted the scarcity of publicly available Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for these initiatives and the lack of transparency regarding stakeholder engagement and mitigation strategies.
The organisation urged authorities such as the Capital Development Authority and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board to act swiftly to protect the area. Recommended measures include establishing strict “no-go” zones in ecologically sensitive habitats, mandating independent environmental reviews for all proposed developments, and temporarily suspending ongoing projects in vulnerable foothill zones until thorough and transparent assessments are completed.
WWF-Pakistan affirmed its willingness to collaborate with government bodies to promote environmentally responsible development based on scientific evidence, aiming to preserve the ecological integrity of the Margalla Hills region.
