LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday restrained the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) from using parks for commercial activities and directed that at least two parks in the city should be restored to their original condition as model parks.

Justice Shahid Karim was hearing petitions regarding smog and other environmental issues. During the hearing, Advocate Azhar Siddique told the court that an old tree had been felled under the pretext of road expansion near Data Darbar. At this, the judge directed the environment protection department to look into the matter.

The lawyer pointed out that the PHA was using parks for commercial purposes.

Justice Karim remarked that the PHA should focus on maintaining parks instead of using them for commercial activities. The judge directed the PHA to approach the court-appointed environmental commission before undertaking any commercial activity in any park.

The judge observed that industrial units were the biggest cause of pollution and that there should be a proper regulatory mechanism for industrial units.

The judge adjourned further hearing till Jan 23.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2026