ISLAMABAD: Rejecting the government’s report about
illegal deforestation on Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked about steps taken for protection of Margalla Hills.
The court also sought a report about action taken against negligent officials and stone crushing and deforestation mafia.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed took up the suo motu case for hearing regarding
illegal deforestation and quarrying of stones.
Former chief justice Anwar Jamali had taken notice of a May 19 television talk show which highlighted the issue.
The show had disclosed that
illegal stone blasting and crushing had been going on unabated and unchecked for 35 years in the Union Council Lora of Abbottabad District, destroying the green hills.
During the hearing, the bench noted that the
illegal deforestation and stone crushing had been constantly going on despite court’s order.
A law officer informed the bench that he was submitting a report over the matter. However, Justice Saeed said the reports
were not a solution, adding that
the court needed reply on single paper.
He observed that the
illegal deforestation and quarrying of stones in Margalla Hills had been established despite
the court orders.
He added that all the three governments had been failed to bring the responsible to the account.
Dissatisfied with the prog
ress of administration in the matter, Justice Saeed sarcastically told the law officers to submit in writing that all the three helpless governments had been failed to implement court orders.
The law officers of the provinces
were also present.
Hinting at
the complaint of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, Justice Saeed addressed KP law officer Waqar Ahmed and asked him whether Bani Gala was part of KP.
