SC seeks reports from federal, provincial govts on deforestation

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday sought detailed reports from the federal and provincial governments on deforestation, as Justice Jamal Mandokhail noted that while forests are expanding all over the world, they are shrinking in Pakistan.

A five-member constitutional bench headed by Senior Judge Justice Aminuddin Khan heard a case regarding “alarming situation of deforestation”. The court also ordered the submission of details regarding occupied and reclaimed land.

During the proceedings, Justice Mandokhail observed that there was also an issue regarding Islamabad’s jurisdiction and asked what had happened with that. The Deputy Attorney General responded that the issue regarding Islamabad’s jurisdiction has been resolved.

The judge remarked, “We don’t need reports--we need to look at ground realities.” He questioned if people in Ziarat do not cut down trees in -17°C, what should they do? Is the government providing any alternative energy sources in cold areas,” Justice Mandokhail asked. The court was informed that LPG is being provided in Ziarat.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked whether subsidies are being given to poor people living in hilly areas. While Justice Aminuddin Khan observed that providing better facilities to public is the responsibility of the governments. Later, the court adjourned the case for date-in-office (Indefinite period).