ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has launched Pakistan’s largest model nursery in Islamabad, spread over 50 acres, with the capacity to house more than one million plants. The project aims to fight smog and promote greenery, state media reported.
Smog has become a recurring problem in Pakistan’s major cities during winter, caused by vehicle smoke, industrial waste, crop burning and weather conditions.
It reduces visibility and causes serious breathing problems. The World Health Organization ranks Pakistan among the countries with the worst air quality in the world.
Officials said the nursery will play a key role in reducing pollution by absorbing harmful particles from the air. During a visit to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Model Nursery, Naqvi said the project would not only fulfill the horticultural needs of the city but also improve Islamabad’s environment.
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He praised Azerbaijan’s horticulture experts for assisting with the project. According to the report, the nursery will include a flower shop, a training institute, and a rainwater harvesting pond to store rainwater for irrigation.
Authorities also briefed the minister on the installation of modern greenhouses with controlled ventilation to provide an ideal environment for plant growth. They added that 25,000 free plants have already been distributed during the monsoon season.
Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing only one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Recent monsoon floods have highlighted the challenge, killing nearly 800 people nationwide since late June, according to official figures.
Separately, Naqvi also approved a series of major development initiatives for Islamabad while chairing a high-level meeting at the CDA headquarters. The projects include new traffic infrastructure, housing upgrades, and hospitality ventures aimed at improving civic facilities.
The minister approved the launch of a flyover at T-Chowk and an underpass at Shaheen Chowk, with groundbreaking set for early September.
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He also ordered a city-wide anti-encroachment drive, setting September 30 as the deadline to clear affected sectors, and warned housing societies to strictly follow regulations or face action.
The meeting also cleared Phase One of the Diplomatic Enclave Upgradation Project, which will improve the entrance from Constitution Avenue, adjoining roads, boundary wall, cycling track and a park.
Other projects include remodelling Daman-i-Koh for visitors, speeding up work in under-construction sectors C-14, C-15, and C-16, and completing long-delayed development in sectors E-12 and I-12 so that plots can finally be handed over to allottees. Naqvi directed CDA to prepare a development plan for new sectors C-13, D-13, E-13, and F-13.
He also set December 31 as the deadline for completing groundwork on two five-star hotels. Officials said the first phase of the Model Jail project is nearing completion, while land has been allocated for a new Capital House.
