LAHORE, Feb 27 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday extended, until the next hearing, the existing stay orders on the Sheranwala Gate and Taxali Gate projects while hearing a case related to smog mitigation.
The proceedings were conducted by Justice Shahid Karim, who also reviewed progress on the matter of tree cutting at Punjab University.
The court directed the prosecutor general to initiate steps for cancellation of bail of the accused involved in illegal tree cutting. It was informed that the nominated suspects were not cooperating with the investigation, prompting the court to order that the issue be formally taken up with the prosecutor general.
Member of the Environmental Commission, Syed Kamal Haider, submitted a report on the commercial use of public parks, recommending a complete ban on commercial activities in parks. He further proposed that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) appoint dedicated tree officers for maintenance and protection of trees. The commission also placed before the court a draft re-transplantation policy.
The court instructed the PHA to immediately forward a summary to the Law Department for approval of the tree transplant policy rules. It ruled that in cases where tree transplantation is required, the relevant department must submit a feasibility report. Responding to an argument by PHA’s counsel, Barrister Haris Azmat, that the law does not mandate such a report, the court observed that the law also does not bar it.
Justice Shahid Karim stressed that environmental protection requires not only judicial orders but effective implementation. The PHA informed the court that two model parks had been selected and that the Environmental Commission would soon be facilitated with site visits. The court directed authorities to avoid unnecessary construction in these parks and to preserve their natural character.
During the hearing, the court was told that Punjab University plans to plant 100,000 bamboo trees along Maulana Shaukat Ali Road. The court directed that indigenous tree species should also be given priority alongside bamboo.
Further hearing of the case was adjourned until March 6.