The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a formal directive in the smog mitigation case, emphasising that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) is responsible for tree preservation and must act promptly if any tree is felled.

Justice Shahid Karim, in the written judgement from the prior hearing, has delayed the current underground parking constructions at Shiranwala Gate and Taxali Gate until the subsequent hearing.

The court noted in the interim ruling that the PHA is accountable for safeguarding trees throughout Lahore and must react swiftly to any instances of tree chopping, irrespective of magnitude.

The court mandated the commencement of contempt of court proceedings against the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, the Registrar, and additional officials. The Advocate General of Punjab has been instructed to appear before the court at the subsequent hearing.

The order indicated that the Director General of PHA neglected to convene a meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University regarding the deforestation, stating that the DG need to have initiated an investigation into the issue.

The court stated that numerous trees were felled on the Punjab University grounds and sold at reduced prices, in blatant contravention of the court’s 2023 directives concerning tree removal.

The LHC noted that trees were cut down indiscriminately on the university premises and mandated that tree removal at Punjab University be overseen by the SP Investigation.

The court emphasised the necessity of careful adherence.