In a session held on June 27, 2025, the Lahore High Court (LHC), under Justice Shahid Karim, took up a series of urgent matters with far-reaching implications for Punjab’s environment, public health, and legal accountability.
Presiding over proceedings of the Judicial Commission on Water and Environment, Justice Karim received multiple reports and delivered directives on issues ranging from pollution control to animal welfare.
One of the pressing concerns was crop stubble burning along the Motorway and in Sheikhupura. The court expressed alarm at the environmental damage and directed the Motorway Police to start strict enforcement against those responsible.
The Court also emphasized the immediate need for emissions testing of heavy diesel vehicles traveling on the Motorway. Justice Karim pointed to the growing risks posed by unregulated diesel emissions, calling for urgent intervention to protect both the environment and public health.
Additionally, Justice Karim took strong exception to a legal notice issued by Advocate Izzat Fatima against Todd’s Welfare Society and lawyer Altamush Saeed, related to the appointment of an expert in the Tolinton Market case. He called the move “very disturbing,” and the court warned of potential removal from proceedings and demanded a full retraction of the notice.
Environmental protection was also under scrutiny, with the Court addressing reports of planned tree cutting in the Canal View Society. Justice Karim made it clear that any illegal removal of trees would lead to FIRs against the suspects, adding that legal notices had already been issued to prevent unauthorized deforestation.
The Court also took notice of the rising stray dog population and urged a shift toward humane solutions*such as sterilization, vaccination, and relocation* The Court requested Nabeeha Ayaz from Todd’s Welfare Society and Advocate Altamush Saeed of Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan to submit a report to guide future action.