Following the demolition of a monument and the cutting down of four ancient trees, including a Ficus religiosa and a neem, near Karachi’s PIDC Chowk, authorities have registered a case.
On the instructions of the Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Haider Shah, an FIR was registered against the persons involved in cutting trees in the Civil Lines Police Station.
The incident occurred on November 30, at around 10:30 PM, when Arsalan, the gardener of Sindh Forest Department, witnessed 8-10 individuals cutting down trees.
Upon inquiry, the culprits claimed to be Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) employees and dismissed his concerns.
Returning the next day, Arsalan found the site completely damaged, with the trees and public amenities uprooted.
The Chief Secretary has since instructed the Deputy Commissioner South to submit an inquiry report within 24 hours and ordered disciplinary action against the responsible KMC staff.
Chief Secretary Shah stressed the critical need to protect Karachi’s greenery, warning that tree felling endangers the ecological balance and that strict action will be taken against violations of environmental laws.
