Humayun Khan
PESHAWAR: Chief Justice Peshawar High Court Justice Qaiser Rashid directed Secretary Forest Abid Majeed to cut Unclips (Lachi) trees stepwise and plant other saplings on the sites, on Tuesday.
This observed during hearing of two writ petitions filed Muhammad Ajmal Khan Advocate in this regard by two member bench of PHC.
During hearing Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid remarked that who has granted permission for planting Unclips (Lachi) trees on the mountains of Malakand and added that why it is planting despite the fact regarding of shortage of water.
Additional Advocate General Syed Sikandar Hayat Shah, Secretary Forestry Abid Majeed, Commissioner Malakand, Mansehra, Director General GDA Ali Raza Habib along with other competent authorities appeared before court.
Chief Justice remarked that unfortunately Peshawar Development Authority has planted Unclips in Hayatabad while it is also planted in Lakki Marwat and Karak districts despite water shortage.
Secretary Forestry informed that was Unclips in Billion Tress Tsunami project in running project it is excluded due to facts regarding consumption of water while Chief Justice inquired regarding step taken to stop deforestations.
Commissioner Hazara informed that 9 culprits had been arrested while steps had taken for arrested of other culprits involved deforestation. He also informed that excessive deforestation is reporting from Balakot, Serin valley and Tor Ghar because the owners are developing farmland for vegetables in the stated areas. PHC directed to ensure protection forests while appointed Secretary Forestry and Commissioner Mansehra as focal person for forests.
PHC also observed that activities of drug-mafia are reporting before honorable court and directed Commissioner Malakand to take stern action drugs-mafia and submit report in this regard while adjourned further hearing till 1st March.
