LHC questions Nasir Bagh tree relocation

The Lahore High Court has raised strong objections over the relocation and alleged cutting of trees in Nasir Bagh, directing authorities to appoint a high-ranking officer to investigate the matter and submit a comprehensive report.

Hearing petitions pertaining to smog control on Friday, the court was apprised that no trees had been cut by the Parks and Hoticulture Authority and that they were only relocated with the help of an NGO. The bench, however, noted inconsistencies in the report.

Justice Shahid Karim expressed dissatisfaction, noting that 123 trees were reportedly “transplanted without the PHA even realizing it”. He said he had received photographs depicting trees being cut. “This cannot go on.”

Justice Karim observed that if people are protesting against public projects, the relevant authorities should guide them and explain the perceived benefits of the said project instead of isolating them. “This is a democracy, whatever state it may be in.”

He praised the ongoing crackdown on large vehicles contributing to pollution and asked the government’s legal team to update the court on making Sundays completely commercial-free. He appreciated the extension of winter vacations as well. 

The government lawyer informed the court that the heavy transport sector has announced a strike in response to the crackdown. Justice Karim instructed the authorities not to be intimidated and directed them to suspend the licences of violators if needed.

The bench remarked that PHA’s rules contain no clauses for tree relocation and such provisions must be included in the NOC.

Read: LHC issues notice on plea against Nasir Bagh tree-cutting

Judicial Commission members also informed the court that Lahore has around 1,400 housing societies, with one society alone owing Water and Sanitiation Authority (WASA) Rs300 million. They added that construction at Ghalib Market Park had been halted but chairs and other setup remained, with a makeshift food court also operating there.

Advocate Azhar Siddique pointed out that a tree had been cut in front of Rahat Bakery. The bench directed the relevant authorities to file a complete response to Siddique’s miscellaneous application.

Calling for a thorough inquiry, the bench sought a detailed report. “This matter cannot be closed like this. It has been left unresolved many times before,” said the court. 

“I fail to understand why Nasir Bagh was chosen for this project,” observed the judge, adding that it could not intervene in parliamentary policymaking. The judge noted that Lahore Development Authority's rules also needed revision and emphasized that policy formation was not within judicial authority.

The bench observed that the present government had a comparatively better understanding of environmental challenges than previous administrations and appeared more aware of the need to address such issues.

The court has sought fresh reports from various departments at the next hearing.