LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday expressed displeasure over restaurants not adhering to official closing times and ordered action against the violators.

Hearing environment-related petitions, Justice Shahid Karim directed the authorities to ensure that all restaurants close by midnight.

The judge observed that climate change was a serious issue and should not be compromised.

A member of a court-formed judicial commission informed the judge that tree plantation drives would be carried out in 760 colleges across Punjab.

The judge maintained that no tree along the city canal shall be felled without the court’s permission. He recommended planting urban forests using the Miyawaki method in the Johar Town area.

Justice Karim inquired about the inauguration of the smog emission analyser machine. A government law officer told the judge that the inauguration was scheduled but got delayed due to certain reasons.

The commission’s member further told the court that he saw thick black smoke near Hiran Minar at Sheikhupura Road while traveling to Islamabad.

The judge ordered the environment protection department to impose heavy fines on all kiln owners in Sheikhupura for violations.

A lawyer for the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) said a statement of the director general regarding tree cutting was old and no recent comments had been made.

Justice Karim observed that the DG PHA must clarify his earlier statement. The judge declared that the court would issue orders for action against those involved in illegal tree cutting.

He further noted an order for the appointment of an independent consultant for oversight of the Yellow Line project had also been issued to the government.

The judge adjourned further hearing on the petitions till July 28.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025