The Lahore High Court (LHC), Multan Bench, directed all relevant departments to implement long-term strategies for improved environmental management.
Senior Judge Justice Jawwad Hassan emphasized the necessity of coordinated and organized efforts, requiring monthly compliance reports to be submitted to the court.
Justice Hassan asserted that a clean and healthy environment is the fundamental right of all citizens and urged departments to enforce environmental protection laws rigorously.
He highlighted the vision of transforming Multan into a "green city" and proposed extensive tree plantations and greenery along the M3 Motorway to establish it as a "green corridor."
The orders were issued in response to a petition filed by advocate Tahir Jameel, who sought judicial intervention for maximum tree plantation and measures to combat pollution, including smog.
Justice Hassan instructed all departments to appoint focal persons responsible for submitting monthly compliance reports to the deputy registrar (Judicial).
While acknowledging ongoing efforts to address pollution, the judge deemed them insufficient and called for increased commitment to tackling environmental challenges in the city.
Secretary Services (S&GAD), Engineer Amjad Shoaib Khan Tareen, representing the Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, informed the court that 12 provincial and central departments had been tasked with extensive plantation initiatives across South Punjab. Secretary (I&C) has been appointed as the focal person for the South Punjab Secretariat.
National Highway Authority (NHA) officials informed the court of a finalized horticulture plan for the M3 Motorway.
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