Three Arrested for Illegal Tree-Cutting Near Buffer Zone in Karachi’s Central District

In a significant enforcement action underlining Karachi’s growing commitment to environmental protection, three individuals have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in illegal tree-cutting near the Buffer Zone People’s Chowrangi in the city’s Central district, according to official sources on Monday.

The Assistant Commissioner of North Nazimabad moved swiftly to register a formal case against the three accused at the Taimuriya Police Station, setting the stage for legal proceedings to follow.

Strict Legal Action Assured

DC Central District, Taha Saleem, confirmed that formal legal proceedings will be initiated against the detained individuals once the First Information Report (FIR) is officially registered against them. He made it unequivocally clear that any form of negligence in dealing with such offences will not be tolerated, reiterating that tree-cutting constitutes a serious environment-related crime under applicable law.

The Environmental Cost of Felling Mature Trees

Officials stressed that the removal of old and mature trees carries far-reaching environmental consequences for an already ecologically stressed city like Karachi. The destruction of established greenery disrupts the city’s ecological balance, worsens air quality, reduces biodiversity, and further aggravates the climate change crisis — a situation that Karachi, as one of South Asia’s most densely populated urban centers, can ill afford to deepen.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s Earlier Directive

The current crackdown is a direct extension of a policy stance adopted earlier this year. In January, Karachi’s Mayor Murtaza Wahab had publicly announced that cases would be registered against anyone found involved in tree-cutting across the metropolis. He had specifically directed the KMC Horticulture Department to pursue legal action against all such violators without exception.

Taking a firm stand on the issue, Mayor Wahab declared:

“Tree cutting is a crime and no one will be allowed to remove the environment-friendly trees.”

He further warned that individuals found engaged in tree-cutting along KMC roads would face stern consequences, signaling that the city administration intends to enforce its environmental policies with full legal authority.

Karachi Expanding Its Urban Green Cover

On a more positive note, Mayor Wahab emphasised that his administration is actively working to expand Karachi’s green footprint. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote tree plantation drives across the city, adding that urban forests are also being developed within parks under the KMC’s mandate — a long-term initiative aimed at restoring ecological health to one of Pakistan’s most environmentally challenged urban landscapes