Suo motu case: Balochistan chief secretary summoned for cutting trees

ISLAMABAD: The top court on Friday summoned Balochistan chief secretary for cutting trees in Balochistan to extend a road.

The three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, while hearing a suo motu case expressed annoyance over cutting of trees in district Pishin of Balochistan. The bench observed that it is an irony to cut trees in the desert areas of the province.

An application was filed before the apex court that the 10-kilometre Pishin-Yaroo Link Road was being extended in Pishin district and over 2,200 trees would be cut down for the purpose. The applicant told the court that these trees could be saved by earmarking an alternative route, but none of the departments working on the project had any interest in conserving the area’s environment. Trees are imperative for the drought-prone and hilly areas of Balochistan, the applicant added.

Previously, reports on the issue were sought from the communication and works department secretary, the forest secretary and the provincial environmental protection agency. The reports revealed that the extension would be a potential threat to 2,200 trees. The bench, rejecting the provincial government’s report on the issue, summoned chief secretary and adjourned the hearing for one week.

Source: The Express Tribune