The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a stern directive on Thursday, instructing provincial authorities to prioritize environmentally sustainable development projects and rigorously enforce anti-pollution regulations. The court emphasized that non-compliance would not be tolerated amid rising environmental concerns in Punjab.
During hearings on multiple public interest petitions addressing environmental degradation, Justice Shahid Karim ordered that all upcoming infrastructure initiatives must integrate existing green spaces. He stressed the importance of avoiding tree cutting by adopting carefully planned alternatives.
This judicial intervention followed a report presented by a commission member revealing the recent felling of 14 trees on court premises in Kasur district. Expressing serious dissatisfaction with this incident, Justice Karim requested detailed reports from the Environment Protection Department (EPD) and local revenue officials.
“Development must continue without causing deforestation, and environmental protection should remain paramount,” Justice Karim stated. He further instructed urban planners to develop alternative engineering solutions that allow public projects to proceed while preserving existing trees.
The court also targeted industrial pollution, ordering the immediate closure of any sugar mills failing to comply with environmental safeguards mandated by the court. It underscored that regulations concerning water and air pollution are non-negotiable and directed the provincial government to ensure full adherence within the sugar industry. The next hearing was scheduled for June 8.
Meanwhile, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the Punjab government has adopted a zero-tolerance stance against commercial entities violating environmental laws. She revealed that extensive operations are underway at the union council level to crack down on illegal units contributing to Lahore’s smog problem.
“Those endangering public health will face strict consequences,” Aurangzeb declared. She confirmed that activities increasing toxic emissions are completely banned, authorizing enforcement teams to demolish illegal units immediately and file criminal charges against their operators.
Data from the minister’s office indicated that authorities are focusing on hazardous, unregulated commercial operations in Lahore’s outskirts, particularly in areas like Bakar Mandi, known for illegal fat-melting and animal waste-burning units. Following persistent complaints about toxic fumes, several such units were sealed this week, with their heavy machinery confiscated.
In the past 15 days alone, 64 air-polluting industrial units have been penalized, sealed, or dismantled. Over the last two years, 374 illegal commercial units have been permanently shut down as part of ongoing anti-smog efforts.
Lahore, home to more than 13 million residents, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. During winter, factors such as agricultural residue burning, use of low-quality industrial fuel, and stagnant weather conditions frequently trigger severe public health emergencies across the province.
