Supreme Court Demands Detailed Reports from All Provinces and Federal Government in Forest Land Case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought comprehensive reports from all provincial governments and the federal government regarding forest land across the country.
A five-member bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the forest land case. During the proceedings, the court directed authorities to submit detailed reports on occupied and reclaimed forest lands.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail raised concerns about the declining forest cover in Pakistan, stating, “While the rest of the world is increasing forest cover, ours is shrinking. We don’t just need reports — we need to see the ground reality.”
Justice Mandokhail also questioned the situation in Islamabad’s jurisdiction, to which the government lawyer responded that the issue had been resolved.
Addressing deforestation in cold regions, Justice Mandokhail remarked, “In Ziarat, people face temperatures as low as minus 17°C — what choice do they have if they don’t cut down trees? Is the government providing alternative energy sources in these areas?”
The government’s lawyer stated that LPG is being supplied in Ziarat. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired whether any subsidies were being given to the poor residing in mountainous regions.
Justice Aminuddin Khan emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to provide better facilities to the public. Justice Mazhar noted that since 2018, the case has only seen the submission of reports, with little concrete progress.
Justice Hasan Rizvi highlighted environmental concerns in Sindh, stating, “The sea is eating away forest land in Sindh.” Justice Mandokhail added, “Planting trees is not the Supreme Court’s job.”
The court adjourned the case for an indefinite period while ordering the submission of detailed reports from all provinces and the federal government.