Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court took serious notice of illegal tree cutting at Punjab University despite its earlier orders.
The court issued contempt of court notices to the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Punjab University. Environmental Commission members revealed that trees were felled at the university in violation of judicial instructions.
During proceedings, the court was informed that two days ago, a mother and her young daughter died after falling into a manhole, highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated construction and tree removal.
Justice Karim also halted the underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate and summoned the DG LDA and Advocate General Punjab for the next hearing.
The court instructed the DG PHA to hold meetings with all university vice-chancellors regarding tree cutting and referred the Punjab University tree-cutting matter to the anti-corruption authorities.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 2.