CDA Caught Using Fake Flowers To Impress International Guests

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change raised concerns over the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) use of artificial paper flowers during international events and questioned the state of its nurseries. Chairperson Munaza Hassan remarked that the presence of paper flowers in a city with extensive nursery space reflected poor planning. “When CDA has nurseries spread over two square areas, flowers should be blooming everywhere instead of resorting to paper alternatives,” she noted. CDA officials defended the move, citing seasonal limitations of certain flowers, but acknowledged that over 200,000 flowers were planted this spring under the Prime Minister’s re-greening directive. The committee also grilled the CDA and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) over the unchecked operation of restaurants in the Margalla Hills National Park. Chairperson Hassan expressed serious concern about the presence of 68 restaurants, including several without proper sewage systems. While one restaurant has been shut down, most remain operational. The committee criticized both CDA and IWMB for blaming each other and failing to clarify who oversees waste management in the protected area. A report has been demanded on the status of sewage systems, with the recommendation that restaurants lacking proper disposal mechanisms should be closed. Another key issue discussed was the recent hailstorm in Islamabad. Committee members, including Shagufta Jumani, noted the lack of prior warnings and emphasized the need for proactive climate preparedness. Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change said they would work with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide a comprehensive briefing in the next session. Member Shaista Pervaiz called for public awareness campaigns in simple language to educate citizens about climate change impacts and emergency response. The committee also reviewed the Pakistan Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2025, with a particular focus on electronic waste (e-waste). Member Shahida Rehmani pointed out that there is currently no legislation to regulate the disposal of battery-related and similar hazardous waste. Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change responded that only specific metals within e-waste are considered dangerous, prompting the committee to summon technical experts on the matter for the next meeting. Waste management in Islamabad emerged as another major point of discussion. CDA officials revealed that the capital generates 650 metric tons of waste daily, with no dedicated site currently available for disposal within Islamabad. Two sites are being developed in I-9 and Hummak, while a temporary arrangement has been made in Rawalpindi. Hospital waste was also discussed, with EPA officials reporting that 150 tons are produced monthly, and only eight hospitals in the city currently operate incinerators. The committee expressed frustration over the slow implementation of climate-related governance structures. Questions were raised about the delayed finalization of the Wildlife Management Board and the unclear boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park. CDA officials stated that a boundary survey in collaboration with the Survey of Pakistan would be completed within weeks. The committee emphasized the urgency of appointing civil society members to the board and called for greater transparency and coordination among agencies responsible for environmental protection.