The Lahore High Court has taken a firm stance against the unauthorized cutting of trees in one of the city's historic green spaces. Justice Shahid Karim has directed the formation of a special investigation team to probe into the recent tree-cutting activities at Nasir Bagh.
Court Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Tree "Transplantation"
During a hearing on petitions related to smog control, the court was informed by a member of the Judicial Commission that the trees had been relocated with the assistance of a non-governmental organization. However, Justice Karim was not satisfied with this explanation.
The judge highlighted a critical point: 123 trees were reportedly transplanted without the knowledge of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). This revelation raised immediate red flags about the transparency and legality of the operation.
Photographic Evidence Contradicts Official Claims
Justice Karim noted that photographic evidence submitted to the court told a different story from the official narrative. The pictures clearly indicated that many trees had been cut down, not carefully transplanted as claimed.
This discrepancy prompted the judge to question the entire motive behind targeting Nasir Bagh, a park with significant historical value for Lahore's residents. Why was this particular location chosen for the project?
Immediate Halt Ordered to Tree-Cutting
In a clear and direct order, Justice Shahid Karim emphasized that tree-cutting must stop immediately. His statement, "This cannot go on," underscored the court's seriousness in protecting Lahore's dwindling green cover, especially amid ongoing smog crises.
The directive for a special investigation team aims to uncover the full scope of the incident, identify responsible parties, and determine whether proper procedures were followed. The court's intervention marks a significant step in holding authorities accountable for environmental degradation in urban areas.
The case has brought renewed attention to the conflict between development projects and environmental conservation in Pakistan's major cities. As Lahore continues to grapple with severe air quality issues, the protection of existing trees has become a matter of public health and legal importance.
