LHC warns Nasir Bagh project may be halted if concerns not addressed
Pakistan
The judge emphasized the historical importance of Nasir Bagh and said no department should begin development work without considering heritage value.
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Lahore High Court has cautioned authorities that the Nasir Bagh redevelopment project will be stopped if environmental and heritage-related concerns are not resolved.
Justice Shahid Karim issued the warning during the hearing of petitions related to smog control. Judicial Commission member Azhar Siddique Advocate, architect Raza Ali Dada, and other officials appeared before the court.
Justice Karim remarked that while development projects can proceed, “green development is equally important.” He said Nasir Bagh and several other historical sites are part of Lahore’s identity and must be protected. The court instructed the Director General of the LDA to meet architect Raza Ali Dada and address his reservations about the project. Dada informed the court that the project is not suitable for the Nasir Bagh location.
During the hearing, it was disclosed that Lahore has 804 small and large parks. The court ordered the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to remove all encroachments from public parks and stressed that cutting trees and destroying green spaces “cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
Justice Shahid Karim also directed that water treatment plants be installed in all sugar mills, following concerns raised by the Judicial Commission. The commission noted that recent amendments to environmental rules mean certain projects, including Nasir Bagh, no longer require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
The judge emphasized the historical importance of Nasir Bagh and said no department should begin development work without considering heritage value. He directed the DG LDA, technical experts, and Judicial Commission members to hold a joint meeting. “If concerns are not removed, the court will be compelled to halt the Nasir Bagh project,” he warned.
The court also instructed PHA to ensure tree plantation strictly according to law and to restore parks that are in poor condition. Reports from relevant departments were sought, and the hearing was adjourned.
