The Lahore High Court has ordered the suspension of the ongoing underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate in the provincial capital.
LHC’s Justice Shahid Karim issued the order while hearing cases related to smog. During the hearing, he expressed sorrow over the tragic death of a mother and her daughter who fell into a manhole, emphasized the need for better safety measures.
Justice Karim called the incident a “very tragic event” and directed that the underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate be halted immediately.
The court also summoned the director general of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Advocate General of Punjab for the next hearing.
Additionally, the court expressed its displeasure over the lack of action by the director general of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), questioning why he had not held a meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University regarding the tree cutting issue. The court directed the DG PHA to take suo-motu action and meet with the Vice Chancellors of all universities. The court, in its remarks, stated that despite its orders, the cutting of trees at Punjab University continued, leading to the issuance of contempt of court notices against the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Punjab University.
During the proceedings, the court was informed by members of the Environmental Commission, Syed Kamal Haider and Mian Irfan Akram, that despite the court’s orders, trees at Punjab University were being cut, an act considered to be in violation of the court’s ruling.
Lawyer Azhar Siddique also pointed out that trees around Data Darbar were being removed, contributing to environmental degradation. The matter of tree cutting at Punjab University will also be referred to the Anti-Corruption Department. The next hearing has been scheduled for February 2.