LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to impose a fine of Rs200 on visitors if found littering in Bagh-i-Jinnah.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the order hearing petitions relating to environment pollution.

PHA Director General Umar Jahangir and other officials were present in the court.

The judge expressed displeasure over the failure of the PHA to comply with the court’s directions in letter and spirit.

Mr Jahangir told the court that he recently assumed the charge as the PHA DG.

Justice Karim observed that the world, including Pakistan, was facing the challenge of climate change and the PHA had a key role to play in it. He took notice of littering in public parks especially in Bagh-i-Jinnah and directed the authority to impose a fine of Rs200 on the violators.

The judge directed the PHA DG to ensure the presence of a responsible official in the court on each hearing.

Earlier, a judicial water commission’s member told the court that tanks had been established to store rainwater following the start of monsoon.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2022