LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has stopped the government from cutting trees on Canal Road for the proposed Yellow Train Metro Line or any other development project.
According to the report, Justice Shahid Karim passed the remarks while hearing several petitions related to environmental issues.
During the hearing, a member of the judicial commission informed the court that the government was planning to start a Yellow Train Line Electric Transit project along the canal, which could involve cutting down trees.
The judge made it clear that the court would not allow any tree cutting on Canal Road. He said, “The beauty of Lahore’s trees is only preserved along the canal.”
Justice Karim also expressed concern over the lack of action by the environment department. He noted that despite hiring a new environmental force, smoke-emitting vehicles were still on the roads while the force was nowhere to be seen. He asked for a report on the deployment of the environmental staff and their efforts to control smog and pollution.
During the hearing, Advocate Mian Irfan Akram, representing the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), told the court that water meters would soon be installed in Lahore. He presented a sample meter and said the first phase would cover commercial sites.
He added that all digging work in the city would be completed by the end of July.The hearing was adjourned till June 27.
Court Seeks Suggestions on Tollinton Market Relocation
Justice Shahid Karim also asked the judicial commission to submit suggestions for relocating Tollinton Market outside Lahore. The court was hearing a petition filed by activist Onaiz Asif, who requested that the pet and animal market be shifted out of the urban area.
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His lawyer, Barrister Izzat Fatima, said that according to global standards, there should be a proper model market with veterinary staff and open-air shops that are regularly inspected by the government. She said the current market is located in a crowded area and should be moved outside the city.
Verdict Reserved on Bail Pleas of PTI Leaders in May 9 Cases
An anti-terrorism court on Friday reserved its decision on the bail applications of former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and former Punjab minister Mian Mahmoodur Rashid in connection with the May 9 riots.
ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill heard the petitions. Advocate Rana Mudassar, appearing for Mr. Qureshi, told the court that his client was not in Lahore during the May 9 events but was in Karachi for his wife’s medical treatment. He also presented evidence proving Mr. Qureshi’s presence in Karachi.
The lawyer said the accusation of planning the attacks could not be proven and noted that many co-accused in these cases had already been granted bail. Mr. Qureshi is seeking bail in two cases related to the attack on Shadman police station and burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House.
The court also reserved its verdict on the bail plea of Mr. Rashid in a case concerning the burning of police vehicles during the same unrest.
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