Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has asked for a report pertaining to the deterioration of the Lal Suhanra Park in Bahawalpur, a news source reported. As per the publication, Chief Justice (CJ) Mamoon Rashid Sheikh has directed the officials concerned to submit the report about cutting of trees and the state of animals in the park by February 6.
The CJ took notice of the deteriorating conditions in the
park while hearing a case on the issue of smog in Lahore. Officials concerned
informed the court that the lion residing in the park had disappeared.
Meanwhile, the number of black bucks and other types of deer had also dropped
alarmingly, they added.
The counsel of the petitioner told the court bench that most
of the black bucks had been stolen from the park. The counsel added that the
lion had been transferred to Lahore Zoo, but those involved may have ignored
proper procedures in this regard.
Previously, the LHC had passed a landmark verdict pertaining to hunting of black bucks in Punjab. On November 4 last year, the court had imposed a ban on black buck hunting in the province.
On the other hand, the court had also ordered the provincial
government to make substantial efforts for ensuring the protection of these
animals in the province. It had remarked that animals made up an essential part
of the environment, and leaving them unprotected violated their fundamental
rights.
