The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered an immediate halt to the cutting of trees along Karachi’s Sharah-e-Faisal. The court also asked the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and other authorities to submit a detailed report by August 12.
A two-member bench, led by Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro, passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Abdul Hamid Ahmed Dagia, a concerned businessman and environmental activist.
The petitioner accused authorities of violating environmental laws and previous court rulings. He claimed that mature trees were being cut down without necessary approvals or environmental clearances.
The court issued notices to several departments including:
- Sindh Government
- Local Government Administrator
- Forest and Wildlife Secretary
- Director General of SEPA
The bench strictly prohibited all parties from cutting any more trees until the next hearing.
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Petition Highlights Violations
According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Muhammad Ahmer, the tree cutting was being done by contractors hired by government departments without following any legal procedures. He pointed out that:
- No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted.
- There was no public disclosure or official permission.
- No approval was taken from a sessions judge, as required by law.
The petition also referenced a 2024 SHC judgment, which clearly states that no trees can be removed in Sindh without written approval from the competent authority and a sessions judge. The court had emphasized relocating trees instead of destroying them.
This action by the SHC aims to protect the city's environment and ensure that any development projects follow proper legal and environmental procedures.
