LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday summoned the head of the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) in person in a case concerning efforts to curb smog.

Justice Shahid Karim heard a set of identical petitions seeking measures to address smog and other environmental issues in the provincial metropolis in particular.

The judge observed that Nespak should take responsibility for environmental matters and modernise its approach since it undertakes large-scale infrastructure projects.

Expressing concern over the absence of visibility of field teams, Justice Karim asked, “Where are the teams deployed by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)?”

He said that 250 motorcycles had been provided, but the personnel were not seen actively working on the roads.

“It is not the chief minister’s job to monitor every task personally. The departments must take responsibility now that the government has provided the resources,” the judge observed.

Justice Karim directed the EPD to submit a report on the deployment of its field teams.

He hoped that the government and its agencies would take effective steps to improve the environment.

The judge also ordered an inquiry into reports of low penalties being imposed for stubble burning.

Commenting on urban development, the judge said the Central Business District (CBD) had a critical role to play.

He said the CBD planted small trees, but the court needed details on how many large trees had been planted.

Separately, Justice Karim sought a report from a court-formed judicial commission on a petition regarding the restoration of the greenbelts in Kasur.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and Kasur’s district administration submitted their respective reports to the petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel’s chairman advocate Azhar Siddique.dent

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025