LHCThe Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday extended stay order on the Sheranwala Gate and Taxali Gate projects while hearing a case related to smog control.
Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others against ineffective measures to control smog. Assistant Advocate General Hassan Ejaz Cheema appeared on behalf of the Punjab government while representatives of the Environmental Commission, Lahore Development Authority, Parks and Horticulture Authority, Deputy Director Environment Ali Ejaz, and other officials also attended the proceedings.
During the hearing, counsel for PHA informed the court that proposals submitted by civil society were under review. The court observed that recommendations put forward by World Wide Fund for Nature should be implemented to improve environmental management.
A WWF representative told the court that PHA had not yet issued a notification for the technical committee.
Justice Shahid Karim remarked that PHA should strengthen its own technical capacity and directed the authority to appoint a Tree Officer, calling the post essential for effective tree protection.
The court also criticized the Forest Department’s role in preventing tree cutting. Justice Shahid Karim remarked that the department had failed to deliver and questioned how improvement could be expected when officials avoided responsibility.
The court further stressed the need to empower PHA for effective environmental protection and tree preservation.
In a related matter, the court restrained Parks and Horticulture Authority Gujranwala from converting parks into commercial spaces after counsel argued that gardens were being used for commercial purposes.
A member of the Environmental Commission also informed the court that the judicial commission had sought a report from Water and Sanitation Agency regarding underground water levels. Justice Shahid Karim observed that orders for early market closures had been in place for some time and required strict enforcement. The hearing was adjourned until April 16.