In a case concerning the construction of residential and commercial buildings on Islamabad's Margalla Hills, a constitutional bench (CB) of the Supreme Court has sought detailed reports from the federal and all provincial governments.
The five-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, directed the authorities to submit information on all forest land that has been encroached upon, as well as land from which encroachments have been removed.
During the hearing, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that while governments around the world are increasing forest cover, forests in Pakistan are steadily disappearing. He emphasized that the bench is not merely seeking reports, but the truth about the actual state of the country's forests.
Justice Mandokhail, who belongs to Balochistan province, noted that non provision of alternative fuel is also forcing people to cut down trees.
"Can the people of Ziarat [in northern Balochistan] desist from cutting trees in the absence of any other fuel source in minus 17 degree Celsius temperature? Is the government providing the people of cold areas any alternative source of energy?" he asked.
A lawyer representing the government said the government is providing LPG to Ziarat.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked as to what subsidies are being offered to the poor people living in mountainous areas. Justice Aminuddin Khan observed that it is the responsibility of the government to provide basic facilities to people.
Justice Mazhar lamented that since 2018, only reports have been submitted in the case.
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