The tragedy of turning green Islamabad into a black forest

World Environment Day, observed on 5 June each year, highlights the urgent need for environmental protection and collective action. In this context, Islamabad—once celebrated for its greenery and the natural beauty of the Margalla Hills—faces an escalating environmental crisis due to recurring forest fires, particularly around Trail 3. While extreme heat and prolonged dry spells can naturally trigger wildfires, growing concerns suggest that a significant number of these fires may be deliberately set by elements linked to the timber mafia. Such illegal activities are believed to facilitate unauthorized logging by destroying evidence of tree cutting, enabling easier access to timber, and exploiting weakened forest ecosystems for commercial gain. This not only results in the rapid destruction of valuable forest resources but also threatens the ecological balance and climatic stability of the federal capital. The Margalla Hills National Park, a critical ecological zone, plays an essential role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating temperature, and acting as a natural carbon sink. The repeated loss of forest cover due to fires severely reduces its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to rising greenhouse gas levels, worsening air quality, and intensifying local temperature increases. The environmental consequences extend further, as deforestation accelerates soil erosion, increases the risk of landslides, and disrupts natural water retention systems that support local hydrological cycles. In addition, forest fires release large quantities of smoke, particulate matter, and toxic gases into the atmosphere, leading to serious public health concerns. Residents of Islamabad, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals who love to hike breath uncomfortably, respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, suffer from increased cases of breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and other health complications. The resulting haze often lingers over the city, red