LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the cutting of trees along the canal and warned of registering cases against the responsible officials of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). Justice Shahid Karim was hearing petitions related to smog, environmental issues, and water management when the matter came up, highlighting repeated violations of court orders banning tree-felling.
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Advocate Azhar Siddique presented video evidence showing trees near the Doctors’ Hospital being cut, while Syed Kamal Haider, a judicial commission member, stated that PHA workers had trimmed branches. The judge noted that the PHA had instead cut entire branches and sought a detailed report, warning that officials could face arrest through court orders.
The court also raised concerns over other public land misuse, including illegal restaurants at Dungi Ground and Canal Road, and ordered expert reports on an underground parking plaza in Nasser Bagh. Justice Karim criticised the PHA for failing to preserve parks for public use and libraries, rather than commercial activities.
Following public criticism, the PHA suspended three officials and relieved the Canal Project director of additional charge. Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmad said a full branch of a tree had been cut instead of the allowed trimming under standard procedures, describing it as serious negligence requiring strict accountability.
Supervisor Zafar Iqbal and staff members Muzammil and Aqeel Hussain were also suspended, while Waqar Rehman of Jilani Park was assigned the Canal Project responsibility. The PHA said it remains committed to protecting Lahore’s greenery and would not tolerate misconduct or rule violations regarding environmental protection.
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Separately, PHA Director General Naheed Gul Baloch directed heads of 11 newly-formed district horticulture agencies to submit detailed plans for initiating horticultural operations. She emphasised enhancing the aesthetic and environmental quality of cities across Punjab, with oversight from District Transition Teams to manage transfers of assets and staff