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The Lahore High Court (LHC) has halted underground parking projects in Lahore after taking serious notice of illegal tree cutting at Punjab University, reinforcing its stance on environmental protection and public safety. The court also issued contempt notices to senior university officials for violating earlier judicial orders.
Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing environmental matters on Thursday, expressed concern over the continued cutting of trees at Punjab University despite clear court directives. Members of the Environmental Commission informed the court that trees were felled in open violation of previous orders, prompting the judge to issue contempt of court notices to the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of the university.
“This is a clear disregard for court orders and environmental laws,” Justice Karim remarked during the proceedings.
During the hearing, the court was also informed of a tragic incident in which a woman and her young daughter lost their lives after falling into an open manhole just two days earlier. The incident was cited as evidence of the dangers posed by unregulated construction activities and poor urban planning.
Justice Karim observed that unchecked development, combined with illegal tree removal, is creating serious risks for citizens.
In response, the court ordered an immediate halt to underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate. The Director General of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Advocate General Punjab have been summoned for the next hearing to explain the legality and safety measures of these projects.
Additionally, the DG Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has been directed to convene meetings with vice-chancellors of all universities to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws.
The LHC also referred the Punjab University tree-cutting case to anti-corruption authorities for further investigation, signaling a possible widening of accountability beyond administrative penalties.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2026.
