LHC steps in to protect Lahore’s green spaces

PHA told to restore Nasir Bagh, halt tree trimming without prior permission

The Lahore High Court (LHC), while hearing petitions related to smog mitigation, on Monday directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to restore Nasir Bagh park under its direct supervision and submit a compliance report at the next hearing.

Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others, seeking effective measures to curb smog and protect the city’s green spaces. During the proceedings, the judicial member of the Water Commission submitted a report on the alleged cutting of trees along Canal Road. He informed the court that no trees had been cut and that only trimming of branches had been carried out.

According to the report, three large branches were extending towards an underpass and posed potential safety risks. Counsel for the PHA argued that the trimming was part of routine maintenance and that failure to remove the branches could have resulted in accidents.

Justice Karim, however, questioned the justification for such action and asked what kind of accidents had occurred due to trees in the past and how many such incidents had been reported.

The PHA’s counsel told the court that the project director concerned had been suspended and that proceedings under the relevant law had been initiated against him. Barrister Haris Azmat informed the court that a newly appointed project director was present during the hearing.

He also apprised the court that the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) had attempted to uproot an old tree near Data Darbar, for which a show-cause notice had already been issued.

Expressing concern over arbitrary actions affecting Lahore’s green cover, the court ordered that Nasir Bagh park be restored by the PHA under its direct supervision. Justice Karim further directed that no tree or branch shall be cut without the prior knowledge and approval of the Director General PHA.

The court directed the relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance with its orders and submit a detailed report at the next hearing.

Stray dogs

Also on Monday, the LHC admitted a petition challenging the killing of stray dogs through firing and the use of poisonous substances, and issued notices to the Punjab government and other concerned authorities, seeking their replies.

Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition and directed the Punjab government, Secretary Livestock, Secretary Local Government, and other respondents to submit their responses. According to the petition, dog-killing operations conducted by government departments in the name of controlling the stray dog population have endangered the lives of citizens.

The petitioner highlighted an incident in Khanewal in which a minor girl sustained injuries after being struck by a bullet allegedly fired during a dog-killing operation. The plea contended that the use of firearms and poisonous substances in residential and populated areas is extremely hazardous and poses a serious threat to public safety.

It argued that such practices not only violate basic safety norms but also expose innocent citizens, particularly children, to grave risks. The petitioner further maintained that despite having a clear policy framework, the Punjab government has failed to implement the Animal Birth Control Policy 2021, which provides for humane and scientific methods to manage the stray dog population.

Requesting relief, the petitioner urged the court to restrain the authorities from killing stray dogs through firing or poisoning. The court was also asked to direct the provincial government to ensure the effective implementation of alternative measures, including vaccination and neutering programmes, to control the stray dog population in a humane manner.

The court adjourned the hearing after issuing notices to the respondents.