LAHORE(National Times)- The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a written order in the smog mitigation case, stressing that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) is the guardian of trees and must take immediate action even if a single tree is cut. Justice Shahid Karim, while issuing the written order of the previous hearing, suspended ongoing underground parking projects at Shiranwala Gate and Taxali Gate until the next hearing. In the interim order, the court observed that PHA is responsible for protecting trees across Lahore and should respond promptly to any act of tree cutting, regardless of scale. The court also ordered the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, the Registrar, and other officials. Additionally, the Advocate General Punjab has been directed to appear before the court at the next hearing. The order noted that the Director General PHA failed to hold a meeting with the Punjab University Vice Chancellor over the cutting of trees, adding that the DG should have conducted an inquiry into the matter. According to the court, a large number of trees were cut within Punjab University premises and sold at low prices, in clear violation of the court’s 2023 orders regarding tree cutting. The LHC further observed that trees were felled without any checks within the university campus and directed that matters related to tree cutting at Punjab University be supervised by the SP Investigation. The court reiterated that strict compliance with environmental protection orders is essential to combat smog and environmental degradation.