Karachi
National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) President Muhammad Naeem Qureshi has called upon the Sindh government to launch an immediate and uncompromising crackdown on the illegal cutting of mangroves and trees, warning that Karachi can no longer afford the destruction of its already rapidly diminishing natural green cover in the name of land grabbing and encroachment.
Qureshi expressed grave concern over the latest reported incident at Korangi Creek, where mangroves are allegedly being cut and land reclaimed right alongside the Mangrove Biodiversity Park inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab last year. According to reports, mangroves have been cut after an earthen bund was constructed to restrict the flow of seawater into the forest, while portions of the land are being enclosed and developed as plots.
“It is extremely alarming that mangroves can be destroyed with such brazen impunity in an area where the Forest Department itself has confirmed that the land belongs to it,” Qureshi said. “If land grabbers can openly cut mangroves, block water channels and reclaim forest land, then this is not merely an environmental violation—it is a direct assault on the law, the coastal ecosystem and the future security of Karachi.”
He called upon Sindh Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Karachi Mayor, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Karachi Commissioner and the Sindh Forest Department to personally intervene and ensure immediate action against those responsible for the Korangi Creek destruction.
Qureshi said the excuse that a matter was sub judice could not become a licence for criminals to continue destroying mangroves and reclaiming public land. “The law must prevail. Where criminal acts have been committed, the police must register criminal cases against the perpetrators. Those found guilty of chopping down mangroves and trees must face imprisonment. No influence, pressure, ownership claim or legal technicality should provide cover for an illegal activity that is destroying Karachi’s natural defences.”
He regretted that previous instances of brazen tree cutting in Karachi had, very sorrowfully, gone largely unnoticed or without meaningful action against those involved. “This culture of impunity must end now. Every tree illegally cut and every patch of forest destroyed is an environmental crime that carries consequences for generations.”
Qureshi also demanded action against officials and staff of relevant departments found to have colluded with, facilitated or deliberately ignored criminal elements involved in cutting trees and diminishing forest cover in Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh.
He stressed that mangroves are a vital natural defence against coastal hazards, helping protect low-lying areas from storm surges, erosion and flooding, while providing critical habitat for marine and terrestrial biodiversity and supporting fisheries and coastal livelihoods.
“The Sindh government must ensure that whatever tree cover remains in the urban areas of the province is protected at all costs. Karachi cannot continue losing its trees, mangroves and natural buffers while authorities merely observe the destruction. The time for statements and excuses is over—the law must be enforced, the criminals must be prosecuted and Sindh’s remaining forests must be protected,” Qureshi said.
