LAHORE: The Lahore High Court observed, “Trees are as important as human life”, and directed the Punjab environment protection department to engage experts and devise a tree-relocation policy within seven days.
The court was hearing some identical petitions against increase in smog in the metropolis.The court adjourned the hearing and also extended stay orders against the construction of the underground parking plaza projects at Taxali and Sheranwala gates.
Earlier, a counsel on behalf of a petitioner, pointed out that old trees were being cut down for various development projects in the city.
However, a law officer rejected the impression and clarified that trees were relocated rather than felled.
The judge remarked that it appeared trees were being eliminated.
The court observed that trees’ felling was not his personal issue but a national one.
The court said the Punjab University committed a criminal act by cutting trees and added it was hard to believe that the vice chancellor was unaware of the matter.
The court further observed that reportedly police do not take it seriously when someone approaches it for registration of a case over the cutting of trees.
The court directed the government to instruct the police to treat such matters with due seriousness.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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