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ISLAMABAD: Pollen levels in Islamabad remain extremely high as paper mulberry trees continue releasing pollen during peak March season despite CDA’s ongoing eradication campaign targeting the invasive species.
Pollen levels in Islamabad remained in the “very high” category on March 8, 2026, despite large-scale cutting of paper mulberry trees, as the peak flowering season continues and thousands of mature trees are still standing across the capital.
Latest data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department showed total pollen counts reached 22,190 grains per cubic meter on March 7 at H-8 monitoring station, with paper mulberry contributing 21,965 grains, accounting for more than 95 percent of airborne pollen. The department classifies readings above 15,000 grains per cubic meter as very high, a level that can trigger severe allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
The high counts persist even after the Capital Development Authority began removing paper mulberry trees under a citywide eradication program launched to reduce seasonal allergies. Officials previously informed the Senate that around 80,000 trees were identified for removal across Islamabad, but only about 29,000 to 30,000 had been cleared by early 2026, leaving a large number of mature pollen-producing trees still present in residential sectors, parks, and green belts.
Paper mulberry, introduced in the 1960s for rapid urban greening, is now considered the main cause of spring allergies in the capital. Health experts say male trees release huge quantities of lightweight pollen that can travel several kilometers with wind, meaning that even partial removal does not immediately reduce airborne levels. According to PMD seasonal reports, the species typically contributes between 94 percent and 97 percent of total pollen during March each year.
Peak release normally occurs in the second and third weeks of March, when warm and dry weather accelerates pollen dispersal. Recent weather conditions in Islamabad have remained dry, with no significant rainfall to wash pollen out of the air, while daytime temperatures near 30–32°C and light winds have supported continued spread across the city. Other plants such as grasses and pine also contribute to the total count, but their share remains comparatively small.
Officials say the eradication program is being carried out in phases to avoid environmental damage and allow replacement planting. Areas targeted first included F-9 Park, Shakarparian, H-8, H-9, and green belts near Zero Point, where high tree density was linked to elevated pollen readings. Replacement plantation is being done with native and low-allergen species such as peepal, amaltas, and kachnar to maintain urban greenery without worsening health risks.
Data from the health ministry indicates some improvement in allergy cases after the initial removals. Reported seasonal allergy patients in Islamabad fell to around 1,031 in 2025 from more than 2,300 in 2023, while prevalence declined from about 45.8 percent to 33.3 percent, according to official briefings cited in parliamentary discussions. However, doctors say full benefits will only appear after most mature mulberry trees are uprooted, including roots, to prevent regrowth.
Environmental experts also note that new trees planted as replacements will take several years to mature, meaning the city will continue to face high pollen seasons in the short term. Some urban planners have criticised the campaign for cutting trees without sufficient planning, but authorities maintain the focus remains on the invasive paper mulberry species responsible for widespread respiratory illness.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects pollen levels to remain high until mid-April, when the flowering season ends, though rainfall or strong winds could temporarily reduce airborne concentrations. The government says the eradication campaign will continue through 2026, with the aim of permanently lowering Islamabad pollen counts once the remaining paper mulberry trees are removed.
