LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday directed civil society representatives to review the Nasser Bagh parking project and furnish a report.

Hearing petitions related to smog and environmental pollution, Justice Shahid Karim observed that only a few sites of historical importance remain and stressed that they must be protected.

Earlier, a counsel for the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) told the court that in compliance with the previous directions, a team of experts had met the authority’s head. He clarified that only 11 kanal land of Nasser Bagh was being utilised for the parking project.

Justice Karim remarked that Nasser Bagh is a site of historical importance. He observed that the court had taken notice only to the extent of felling of trees in Nasser Bagh.

He said no petition seeking a complete halt to work at Nasser Bagh was before it. However, if such a petition is filed, it would be decided accordingly, the judge added.

The judge further observed that the LDA should have thought a hundred times before planning a parking plaza at Nasser Bagh.

He said the government itself should be mindful of such matters without requiring judicial directions.

The judge maintained that the court would not allow cutting trees at Nasser Bagh or damage to its identity.

Justice Karim warned that FIRs would be registered for violation of orders relating to the environment and trees.

A counsel for the Parks and Horticulture Authority informed the court that a policy committee had been formed to ensure the care of trees that had been relocated.

The judge observed that the revival of transplanted trees is extremely difficult.

The hearing was adjourned for next week.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2025