Karachi’s green cover has fallen below 2%, raising serious concerns about the environmental future of Pakistan’s largest city. Experts warn that the rapid loss of trees is worsening heat intensity, reducing air quality, and weakening the city’s already fragile ecosystem.

In recent months, the Government of Sindh along with municipal authorities has launched a phased campaign to remove invasive KonoCarpus trees and replace them with native species under an urban forestry plan. Officials argue that these trees, planted nearly two decades ago, were damaging infrastructure and offering limited environmental benefits.

However, environmentalists claim that the transition has not been carefully managed. Reports suggest that during removal drives, several trees listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List have also been cut down, sparking criticism from conservation groups.

Once known for its tree-lined streets and cooling sea breezes, Karachi is now witnessing what experts describe as a silent environmental collapse. Green spaces such as parks and cemeteries, including Sakhi Hasan, are also reportedly losing vegetation and bird habitats.

While officials insist that replacement planting is ongoing—claiming a “10 trees planted for every 10 removed” policy—critics argue that enforcement and survival rates of new plants remain unclear. The Horticulture Society of Pakistan has also raised concerns over the cutting of vulnerable species like Lignum vitae.

Urban planners warn that Karachi is rapidly transforming into a concrete-dominated landscape, where natural shade is being replaced by buildings and infrastructure.

Environmental experts stress that without strict monitoring and long-term protection, replantation efforts may fail to reverse the city’s accelerating ecological decline.