Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting the government’s report about illegal deforestation on Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked about steps taken for protection of Margalla Hills. The court also sought a report about action taken against negligent officials and stone crushing and deforestation mafia. A three-member bench headed by Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed took up the suo motu case for hearing regarding illegal deforestation and quarrying of stones. Former chief justice Anwar Jamali had taken notice of a May 19 television talk show which highlighted the issue. The show had disclosed that illegal stone blasting and crushing had been going on unabated and unchecked for 35 years in the Union Council Lora of Abbottabad District, destroying the green hills. During the hearing, the bench noted that the illegal deforestation and stone crushing had been constantly going on despite court’s order. A law officer informed the bench that he was submitting a report over the matter. However, Justice Saeed said the reports were not a solution, adding that the court needed reply on single paper. He observed that the illegal deforestation and quarrying of stones in Margalla Hills had been established despite the court orders. He added that all the three governments had been failed to bring the responsible to the account. Dissatisfied with the progress of administration in the matter, Justice Saeed sarcastically told the law officers to submit in writing that all the three helpless governments had been failed to implement court orders. The law officers of the provinces were also present. Hinting at the complaint of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, Justice Saeed addressed KP law officer Waqar Ahmed and asked him whether Bani Gala was part of KP.