The Sindh High Court (SHC) Karachi bench consists of a two-judge bench comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito has ordered to ban the cutting of trees in Karachi during construction BRT projects unless absolutely necessary.
This decision came in response to petitions against the felling of a significant number of trees for the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The court highlighted the critical environmental impact of deforestation, particularly in urban areas like Karachi, which is already facing extreme temperatures and poor air quality due to climate change.
The SHC ordered that no tree should be removed without prior permission, and in cases where it is unavoidable, the trees must be relocated or replaced. Additionally, contractors involved in such projects are required to plant five new trees for every one that is removed. The court also directed city officials to develop a comprehensive policy for replanting trees, emphasizing that urban greenery is crucial for mitigating the effects of global warming. The bench also issued show cause notice to Mayor Karachi for his absent during hearing.