Lahore High Court Orders Transfer of 56 Parks to PHA for Environmental Protection

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has mandated the immediate transfer of 56 parks from the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) to the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). Justice Shahid Karim issued this directive during hearings on petitions concerning smog prevention and environmental protection in Lahore. The court ordered the deputy commissioner to vacate and hand over possession of these parks to the PHA to ensure better management and conservation. The proceedings also addressed broader urban planning issues, including the closure of unnecessary access points near Doctor Hospital to improve traffic flow and the successful redesign of a road project in Johar Abad, which saved approximately 11,000 trees. Justice Karim praised this preservation effort as a significant achievement for the Judicial Commission. Furthermore, the court responded to reports of unauthorized tree cutting by directing the Punjab government’s law officer to investigate and strictly prohibiting any department from felling trees. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and various other departments appeared before the court. The hearing, which highlights the judiciary's active role in environmental governance, was adjourned until May 21 for further updates.