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LHC orders timely implementation of motorway and Multan plantation projects
The Lahore High Court has directed authorities to continue implementing approved and proposed plantation projects along the M-3 Motorway and major roads in Multan, and to complete pending approvals and procurement processes on time.
The court ruled that the success of plantation initiatives should be measured not merely by the number of trees planted, but also by their survival, healthy growth and proper maintenance.
Justice Jawad Hassan reviewed implementation reports submitted by relevant government departments while hearing a petition filed by Muhammad Tahir Jamal and a connected application.
During the hearing, the additional advocate general of Punjab informed the court that plantation activities were underway along the M-3 Motorway and various roads in Multan. Meetings of a consultative committee had also been held to reduce environmental risks and increase green cover.
The court was informed that 5,280 plants had been planted at service areas and rest areas along the M-3 Motorway in October 2026. Procurement was underway to plant fruit-bearing trees along a 36-kilometre stretch of the motorway, while estimates for planting new trees and maintaining existing ones along other sections were awaiting approval.
National Highway Authority officials said additional signboards identifying service areas had also been installed at intervals of approximately 10 kilometres to facilitate travellers.
Officials further informed the court that a plan had been prepared to plant a total of 28,215 saplings along major roads in Multan district during the 2026-27 financial year.
Under the plan, 19,140 saplings will be planted along Multan-Vehari Road, 4,125 along Khanewal Road and 990 along Head Muhammad Wala Road. Another 1,980 saplings are planned at Sher Shah Toll Plaza on Muzaffargarh Road, with an additional 1,980 at the Sher Shah Road intersection. The plantation work will cover various stretches spanning a combined 85.5 kilometres.
Authorities said the plantation project for Multan-Vehari Road had been approved, while the other three projects were awaiting approval. The saplings would be maintained and cared for over four years after implementation, they added.
The Forest Department has also introduced a system to record the geographical locations of plantation sites, photographs, plant species and survival rates to monitor project progress and outcomes.
The court appreciated the efforts made by the Multan divisional commissioner, National Highway Authority, Forest Department, Higher Education Department and other relevant authorities.
Justice Jawad Hassan also described the “One Student, One Plant” initiative as a positive step towards raising environmental awareness among students.
The court directed authorities to ensure that plantation projects were not limited to beautifying roads and public spaces. It said planning should also take into account local climate, soil conditions, water availability, biodiversity and the protection of wild pollinators, including honeybees.
The court called for durable, dense and shade-providing trees to be planted at suitable locations, suggesting consideration of neem, shisham, peepal and varieties of acacia suited to the local environment.
Justice Jawad Hassan clarified that the final selection of tree species should be made by relevant technical experts after assessing local conditions and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Authorities were also directed to ensure adequate watering, protection of saplings, replacement of dead or damaged plants and regular monitoring to secure lasting environmental benefits.
The court ordered the relevant authorities to continue implementing approved and proposed projects in accordance with the law and complete pending approvals and procurement procedures within the prescribed time.
It emphasised that the true measure of plantation projects would be the survival of trees, proper maintenance and their lasting positive impact on the environment.
Latest News
IHC direct Islamabad administration to issue domicile to Lakki Marwat citizen
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Islamabad district administration to issue a residence certificate to Hamadulla, who lives in Lakkimarwat, within five days.
The order was issued while considering the citizen’s application for Islamabad Domicile Certificate.
The court also expressed strong displeasure over the district administration’s decision to send a lower division clerk (LDC) to represent the deputy commissioner’s office instead of a senior official.
During the proceedings, the clerk informed the court that a domicile certificate is issued one year after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the applicant’s previous district. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned the official about his appointment and asked why the junior officer was being sent to represent the district administration.
Expressing indignation, the Chief Justice pointed out that the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner were not present in the court. He questioned the rationale behind making citizens wait for a year after issuing NOC and directed the government to complete the household registration process within five days.
The court also warned that if the residence certificate is not issued within the stipulated time, the Deputy Commissioner will have to appear in person.
After issuing the directions, the IHC adjourned further proceedings until next week.
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PM Shehbaz to address COP31 summit in Turkiye, hold key meetings with world leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address the high-level climate conference COP31 in Antalya, Turkey today as he begins a busy schedule of engagements with international leaders.
The Prime Minister will attend a high-level meeting titled “Clean Energy Transition 2035: Powering the Future” hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He is expected to deliver an important address outlining his vision for renewable energy and the transition towards clean energy.
During the COP31 summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also present Pakistan’s National Statement, highlighting the country’s position on climate justice and the challenges faced by nations severely affected by climate change. The announcement is expected to underline Pakistan’s concerns about the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries and to emphasize the importance of global cooperation and climate justice.
In addition to the planned address, the Prime Minister will hold important bilateral meetings with several world leaders throughout the day. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common environmental and climate-related challenges.
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif will attend a gala dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet world leaders. His participation in the summit provides an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its climate priorities and strengthen diplomatic engagement with the international community.
Business
Saudi delegation eyes Karachi port investments as Pakistan expands maritime trade
A Saudi business delegation led by Prince Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Saud has expressed interest in investing in Karachi’s port infrastructure, logistics links and green initiatives, Pakistani authorities said Monday, as Islamabad seeks to expand maritime cooperation with its longtime Gulf ally.
The visit comes amid efforts by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to expand economic partnership from traditional trade, remittances and financial support to investment-based cooperation in infrastructure, energy and other areas. Pakistan is also seeking to modernize its ports, improve connections with land transport networks and expand transshipment operations to strengthen its position in regional trade.
Prince Mansoor, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Chapter of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, led a high-level corporate delegation to Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, where officials were briefed on investment opportunities and ongoing modernization projects.
The briefings focused on the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District in Karachi and the development of Manora Shipyard.
“Prince Mansour expressed keen interest in KPT’s Maritime Business District, Green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and connectivity initiatives, recognizing their scope for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures,” the KPT said in a statement. The Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council serves as a platform for companies and investors from both countries to identify commercial opportunities, develop partnerships and form joint ventures. Prince Mansour has led several delegations to Pakistan as the two governments seek to translate their long-standing political and defense ties into greater private sector investment. In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding with its Saudi Arabian and Pakistani partners to explore the development of a maritime business zone on MT Khan Road in Karachi.
The proposed development involves the Saudi Arabian Business Council – Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and a consortium of Pakistani companies and is intended to accommodate commercial and maritime businesses.
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