PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Development Authority’s (PDA) recent decision to plant costly palm trees across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has drawn criticism from environmentalists, citing incompatibility with the region’s biodiversity and ecological needs.
Imported from Lahore and Dubai at costs ranging from Rs8,000 to Rs15,000 each, the palm trees have shown signs of devariegation due to water scarcity. Experts argue the drought-tolerant species still require significant amounts of water, making them unsuitable for Peshawar’s arid conditions.
“These trees, native to Gulf countries, are inefficient for carbon absorption and provide minimal resources for local wildlife,” noted Dr. Saima Hashim, Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. She emphasized that native species would better sustain the urban ecosystem by offering food, shelter, and nesting spaces for local fauna.
Critics, including Dr. Adil Zareef of the Sarhad Conservation Network, accused the government of prioritizing aesthetics over environmental concerns, likening the move to turning Peshawar into a “concrete jungle.” Despite deforestation in K-P’s hilly areas and water shortages, authorities defended the palm trees as a beautification effort, citing similar projects in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.
Environmentalists have urged a shift towards native tree species to address biodiversity and water conservation challenges effectively.
Story by
Wisal Yousafzai
