Islamabad, Aug 6, 2025: The Lahore High Court has strictly ordered the provincial administration to prevent tree cutting while advancing infrastructure projects. During a recent environmental hearing,
Justice Shahid Karim clarified that while the court supports urban development, it places high value on protecting green spaces. He firmly said that no development scheme should involve tree felling.
Punjab’s Advocate General Amjad Pervaiz submitted a report on behalf of the Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Authority. It confirmed that the PC-1 for the Canal Road Yellow Line project is still pending. In response to the judge’s inquiry, the transport secretary noted that a feasibility report for this mass transit system is underway.
READ MORE: Punjab to Plant 200,000 Trees for Greener Future
The Advocate General further explained that the initiative is still in its planning stage. NESPAK has already geo-mapped the trees in the targeted zone and launched a mobile app for monitoring and protection, aiming to combine development with sustainability.
Justice Karim emphasized that safeguarding trees is vital to combat environmental threats like glacier loss. He praised government steps but stressed that ecological protection must guide all development. The hearing was postponed to August 8 for continued review.
