LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday observed the Punjab government should introduce a legislation to make the cutting down of trees a non-bailable offence.

Justice Shahid Karim was hearing petitions related to smog and other environmental issues.

A lawyer informed the court that the punishment for felling trees was almost negligible and offenders were released the very next day.

Expressing concern, the judge said that those involved in cutting down trees should not be granted bail, saying that the crime would not stop as long as bail continued to be granted. He directed the prosecutor general to look into the matter of how bail was being granted in such cases.

The judge observed that the advocate general of Punjab should be asked to amend the law on bail. He sought a report from the AGP at the next hearing.

The judge also directed the Lahore Development Authority and the Parks and Horticulture Authority to obtain machinery for transplanting adult trees from the government and also advised them to hire consultants for this purpose.

The judge asserted that the issue of tree protection would become extremely significant in the coming years.

Earlier, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali and Registrar Dr Ahmad Islam personally appeared before the court to defend show-cause notices of contempt proceedings against them.

Advocate Shahzad Shaukat represented the PU officials and also filed a written reply, stating that a committee had been formed to take action against those responsible for cutting trees at the Shaikh Zayed Islamic Centre of the university.

The lawyer said the VC had no role in the matter as the Islamic Centre was an independent institution.

Justice Karim expressed regret, observing that it was surprising that trees were still being cut despite a clear direction by the court.

The judge exempted the VC from personal appearance at the subsequent proceedings and adjourned the hearing till Feb 20.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026