SC grills authorities over forest encroachment

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday expressed frustration over the lack of progress in a long-pending case regarding forest land encroachment, demanding concrete action instead of “mere reports” from provincial and federal authorities.

A five-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, sought detailed records of occupied and reclaimed forest land across Pakistan. The hearing took a turn when the court grilled the government over its failure to protect forests and provide alternatives to timber-dependent communities.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail highlighted the stark contrast between global reforestation efforts and Pakistan’s deforestation crisis: “Everywhere else, forests are growing. Here, they’re disappearing rapidly.”

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The judge also questioned the plight of residents in freezing regions like Ziarat, where temperatures drop to -17°C.

“If people are stopped from cutting trees for heat, what options has the state given them?,” he asked. The government’s lawyer replied that LPG was being supplied, but the bench remained did not seem convinced.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that the case had been dragging since 2018 with no tangible outcomes, while Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi pointed to Sindh’s coastal erosion, where “the sea was devouring the fertile land.” Pushing back against judicial overreach claims, Justice Mandokhail clarified that the court’s role isn’t to plant trees but to ensure governments fulfill their duty while Justice Aminuddin Khan added that improving public facilities is the state’s responsibility.

The bench adjourned the hearing indefinitely, directing authorities to submit compliance reports.