LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the cutting of trees in the city, hinting at the registration of a criminal case against officials of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) over the removal of trees near Doctors Hospital.
The remarks were made by Justice Shahid Karim while hearing petitions related to smog and environmental degradation in Lahore. The court summoned the concerned PHA officers to appear on Monday and warned that strict action would follow if responsibility was established.
Justice Karim observed that a case would be registered against the officers found responsible and stated that arrests could be ordered by the court itself. The hearing was adjourned until January 12.
During the proceedings, Advocate Azhar Siddique informed the court that trees had been cut between the canal and the road in front of Doctors Hospital. He added that a separate petition had also been filed on the issue, highlighting concerns over environmental damage in an already pollution-hit city.
The court questioned Environment Commission member Syed Kamal Haider about whether he had inspected the site. Haider told the court that he had visited the location and found that branches of trees had been cut. He added that the work had been carried out by PHA staff.
Justice Shahid Karim directed that the matter be investigated immediately, reiterating that no one involved would be spared. “Whoever is responsible, I will register a case against him,” the judge remarked.
The issue comes amid ongoing hearings on Lahore’s worsening air quality, during which the court has repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving green cover to combat smog. In previous hearings, the LHC has criticised government departments for failing to protect trees and green belts despite repeated orders aimed at environmental protection.
The court has consistently held that indiscriminate tree cutting directly contributes to deteriorating air quality, rising temperatures and public health risks, particularly during the winter smog season, which has increasingly affected Lahore in recent years.
Justice Karim has, in earlier proceedings, warned government agencies that environmental violations would be treated as serious offences, signalling a tougher judicial stance on actions harming the city’s fragile ecology.
