Court Extends Stay on Development Projects Over Tree Cutting in Lahore

Lahore: During the hearing of a smog-related case, the Lahore High Court expressed serious concern over large-scale tree cutting at Mayo Hospital, Punjab University, and multiple development projects. The court extended the stay order on projects at Taxali and Sheranwala Gate and directed the Advocate General Punjab to hold a meeting with the Chief Minister to clarify whether tree cutting was carried out with official knowledge. Justice Shahid Karim ordered an expert review of the government’s tree-protection policy and stressed that project designs must be altered if needed to save trees. The court also issued contempt notices to Punjab University officials and adjourned the hearing till February 9.