ISLAMABAD: To rid the residents of the federal capital of pollen allergies, a comprehensive plan has been initiated by the Ministry of National Health Services, in collaboration with key stakeholders.
A high-level meeting, chaired by Dr Mukhtar Bharath, the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Health, reviewed strategies to address the rising pollen levels in the federal capital.
Dr Bharath emphasised the urgent need for preventive measures to mitigate allergy cases ahead of the upcoming pollen season, which typically begins in early March and peaks from mid-March to late April.
The primary source of pollen in Islamabad is the Paper Mulberry tree, followed by pine trees and grasses, as identified by the Meteorological Department.
Dr Bharath stressed the importance of replacing pollen-producing trees in the city and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the prime minister’s vision of reducing pollen allergies. He also urged relevant authorities to submit revised action plans and called for public participation to make Islamabad "Allergy-Free."
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the federal secretary for health, the director general of the health ministry, and representatives from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Institute of Health’s Allergy Centre.
The CDA's Member for Environment shared updates on efforts to reduce pollen, particularly in F-9 Park, and detailed a phased plan to remove Paper Mulberry trees, stressing the importance of a public awareness campaign involving civil society to enhance outreach.
The EPA director general highlighted the need for a comprehensive tree replacement strategy, rather than mere tree removal, and recommended removal of invasive grasses. She also proposed involving educational institutions and the agriculture sector in raising awareness.
Nadeem Mahbub, Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, called for urgent collaborative efforts before the next pollen season.
He announced plans to strengthen the NIH Allergy Centre and enhance research on pollen-related allergies to improve public health outcomes.