ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has questioned the role of the government regarding tree felling and mountain blasting at Margalla Hills National Park on Wednesday (today).
During the hearing, the petitioner stated that widespread mining and blasting is ongoing in his area which is located near the Margalla Hills. According to the petitioner, he had already raised the issue with the city police officer who told him off saying the process was part of a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.
However, Justice Azmat Saeed, who was heading the bench hearing the case, asked if laws should be shunned for the sake of CPEC projects.
When interrogated about the issue, Islamabad commissioner showed unawareness.
Justice Saeed decried the government for not taking action over laws being violated, saying if rules are not to be followed then Margalla Hills should be completely bulldozed so that neither the trees remain nor any issue is raised.
Nevertheless, the court ruled that National Park belonged to the public and would not be harmed. Moreover, the Islamabad mayor was asked to give it in writing that construction of housing schemes at the National Park is prohibited.
The next hearing regarding the case would be held on July 5.
