The Lahore High Court has ordered the vice-chancellor to make SOPs for the protection of trees in Punjab University, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali appeared in the Lahore High Court in contempt of court proceedings on Friday. Punjab University Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam also appeared.
The Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Punjab University submitted their response to the show-cause notices for contempt of court.
The court directed the Vice Chancellor to cooperate with the police in the tree cutting case.
The court also directed the Vice Chancellor to plant more trees in Punjab University.
The court granted immunity to the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University from future court appearances.
The court extended the stay order on Sheranwala and Taxali Gate projects until the next hearing.
The court summoned the Advocate General for the next hearing.
Justice Shahid Karim remarked that the accused who cut trees should not have bail. Justice Shahid Karim heard the case.
Member of the Environmental Commission submitted that the court had ordered the transplant policy and a meeting of the Judicial Commission was held regarding the transplant policy.
The court expressed displeasure for non-appearance of the PHA lawyer and remarked that every time PHA law officers do not appear.
Court remarked that until a policy is made, no permission will be given to transplant trees in any project.
Legal advisor Shahzad Shaukat submitted a reply to the show cause notice given to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Punjab University.
The Vice Chancellor has no role in the trees cut at Punjab University, Shahzad Shaukat Advocate submitted.
The whole world knows that the court has ordered not to cut trees, Justice Shahid Karim remarked.
Court further remarked trees were cut in the dark of night at Punjab University.
Cutting trees is a criminal act, Justice Shahid Karim declared.
It cannot be believed that the Vice Chancellor is not aware of the trees cut at Punjab University, court remarked.
Sheikh Zaid Islamic Center is an autonomous institution in Punjab University, Shahzad Shaukat Advocate argued.
Who runs this Sheikh Zaid Islamic Center, Justice Shahid Karim questioned.
The center has a board of governors, Shahzad Shaukat Advocate argued.
Who is the chairman of the board of governors, Shahid Karim inquired.
The chairman of the board of governors is the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Shahzad Shaukat Advocate said.
The show cause notices given to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar should be withdrawn, the legal advisor of the university requested the court.
I will see their response, there is no need for them to come in the future, Justice Shahid Karim remarked.
The campus is on 20 acres and I have no interference in this, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University said.
The person responsible for cutting trees in Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center has been removed from his post, Vice Chancellor informed the court.
Director Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center gave permission to cut trees, VC of Punjab University said.
He seems very strong, Justice Shahid Karim remarked.
He is not strong, he is stupid, Vice Chancellor replied.
Court adjourns further hearing of the case till February 20.