PNN: Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court on Thursday observed that individuals accused of cutting trees should not be granted bail, as he heard a case related to smog and environmental pollution.
During the proceedings, the court directed that a comprehensive policy report on tree protection be presented at the next hearing and ordered the Advocate General of Punjab to appear in person.
Member of the Judicial Water Commission, Syed Kamal Haider, informed the court that a meeting had been held under the commission’s supervision regarding tree-related matters. It was decided that the commission would be consulted before any decisions on tree cutting are made.
Justice Karim expressed displeasure over the late appearance of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) counsel, Barrister Haris Azmat, remarking that if the designated lawyer could not attend, another representative should have appeared. He termed the PHA’s attitude regrettable.
During the hearing, Punjab University submitted its response, stating that a committee had been formed to take action against those responsible for cutting 60 large trees at the Sheikh Zayed Centre. The university’s counsel said 500 trees had already been planted and a plan to plant 100,000 more trees had been prepared.
The judge noted with concern that tree cutting continued despite clear court orders and directed that a Miyawaki-style forest be established at the historic institution.
The PHA’s counsel informed the court that penalties for tree cutting are minimal and that accused persons are often released on bail. The court remarked that as long as bail continues to be granted, the practice will not stop. It questioned whether the Prosecutor General of Punjab had been consulted on the issue and instructed that the Advocate General be directed to amend the law to include non-bailable provisions.
The court observed that the action was not aimed at any particular institution but was being taken in the interest of future generations. The hearing was adjourned until February 16, with directions to submit a compliance report on the next date.