The felling of a 150-year-old banyan tree in Lahore Cantt has sparked strong criticism from civil society and environmental activists, who called it a clear violation of Lahore High Court (LHC) orders.
The Lahore Cantonment Board reportedly removed the tree near a famous bakery, allegedly following a complaint that it blocked customer parking and the shop’s visibility.
Activists said the banyan tree was part of Lahore’s natural heritage and should have been protected, especially during the city’s worsening smog season. Advocate Usama Khawar Ghumman raised the issue on social media, saying, “A living piece of Lahore’s heritage has been destroyed in violation of court orders that ban tree felling without permission.”
He confirmed that he and other activists plan to approach the LHC and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) over the matter. “The tree was healthy and not a danger to anyone. This is contempt of court,” he added.
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Punjab’s Assistant Advocate General Hassan Ijaz Cheema also described the move as unlawful and confirmed that the tree was cut down by cantonment board staff. He said the matter would be raised before the court next week.
Environmental experts warned that such actions contribute to the loss of urban greenery and rising air pollution in Lahore, one of the world’s most polluted cities.
