islamabad
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday assured that no trees will be cut and no new concrete structures will be built at Islamabad’s F-9 Park, following concerns raised by environmental activist and schoolteacher Usman about plans to upgrade the capital’s largest green spaces.
The clarification came after Naqvi on October 21 announced plans to revamp F-9 Park along the lines of London’s Hyde Park and to establish additional parks in Islamabad. He said the government planned to renovate F-9 Park and develop four new parks in the capital.
“Let me make it absolutely clear that not a single tree will be cut, 100% guaranteed. No new concrete structures,” Naqvi said in a post on X, responding to a video shared by Usman on Instagram.
Naqvi said the proposed improvements to Fatima Jinnah Park, commonly known as F-9 Park, would include better lighting, a lake, coffee shops and improved walkways, along with the plantation of thousands of additional trees.
“Our only goal is to make F-9 Park greener, safer, more beautiful, and more enjoyable for families and visitors,” he said, adding that the park held a special place in the hearts of Islamabad’s residents.
In his video, Usman said F-9 Park, which spans around 400 acres, was important for the city’s environment and the future of coming generations.
“Because this park is part of our hearts and souls,” he said, adding that around 2.45 billion litres of rainwater fell on the park’s area annually before being absorbed into the ground and contributing to groundwater reserves.
“Please do not develop it for the sake of development,” he said, urging the authorities to plant more trees and introduce a wider variety of species to increase greenery and improve air quality.
