KARACHI: The Director General (DG) Parks informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday that a detailed reply regarding the cutting of trees along Shara-e-Faisal is being submitted to the court today.
During the hearing, a division bench of the SHC resumed proceedings on a petition filed against the large-scale chopping of trees on Karachi’s main traffic artery. The court had earlier directed the DG Parks to appear in person and instructed the provincial authorities to present a comprehensive report on the issue. The government lawyer told the bench that the written reply concerning the tree cutting would be submitted during court hours today. The bench then adjourned the hearing until December 2.
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In the previous session, the court had asked officials to provide exact figures of how many trees were cut and details of where and to whom the timber was sold. The judges also sought information on whether any auction of the felled timber had been conducted. During today’s proceedings, the Sindh government counsel claimed that new trees were being planted to replace those removed. However, the court pressed for specific details regarding the sale process and prices of the timber.
The petition — filed by a concerned citizen — accuses the authorities of violating environmental laws and ignoring judicial directives. The Chief Secretary of Sindh, Secretary Local Government, and Secretary Forest Department have been named as respondents in the case.