The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday restricted the use of explosives on Margalla Hills for stone crushing and sought a detailed reply from the federal, Punjab and KP governments on the issue.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Anwar Zaheer Jamali remarked, “Protection of the environment is our responsibility and the court cannot gloss over the stone crushing issue.”
“This is a serious matter. Mountains are being blasted with explosives by stone crushers. Media men who highlighted this issue were beaten up. This issue has relevance because the environment and its protection is our obligation,” the chief justice said this while taking up a suo motu notice regarding the axing of trees in Margalla Hills.
Justice Amir Hani Muslim remarked, “This matter is intolerable. If any explosion happens on Margalla hills in the future, respective superintendents of police (SPs) will have to face dire consequences”.
Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali told the court that some mountains of Margalla Hills were leased out to the FACTO cement company, but the lease was cancelled later.
The CJ remarked, “Cracks have appeared in homes surrounding the hills due to explosions by stone crushers”.
Justice Muslim said: “The government is unaware of what is going on in Margalla Hills”.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case till next week.
