A six-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, commenced hearings on long-pending applications, starting with addressing one regarding environmental pollution across Pakistan.

During the session, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that all environment-related issues would be looked into. Justice Musarrat Hilali noted that housing societies are rapidly encroaching across the country, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan echoing this concern. He pointed to the extensive spread of Lahore to Wagah border and Sheikhupura sides and added that housing societies were being constructed on agricultural lands even.

He also stressed the importance of building high-rises in less earthquake-prone regions to conserve land. “How are we treating our future generations? The flat culture should be promoted; it is not necessary to build six-kanal bungalows,” Justice Afghan remarked.

Justice Jamal Mandokhel highlighted that environmental pollution was not just a problem of Islamabad, but the whole country with vehicle smoke being the main cause of environmental pollution. “Is there an attempt to stop the smoke emission from vehicles?” he asked, pointing to the worsening situation in Punjab and Islamabad.

He emphasized that only unified efforts across provinces could yield results.

Justice Mazhar referred to an Islamabad Environmental Agency report that claims everything is alright, adding that its 2021 report says all steel mills are following the SOPs. “Will the institutions work only if the court keeps asking for reports?”

Also Read: SC constitutional bench to start hearing 34 cases from tomorrow

Justice Mandokhel urged to pay attention to the fact that the adulteration of petrol is causing pollution. Justice Mazhar also highlighted the need for appointing a leader for the Climate Change Authority to make it effective, questioning why the chairman’s position remains vacant.

Justice Aminuddin Khan insisted on practical measures rather than paperwork alone. The court then directed all provinces to submit detailed reports on pollution control efforts within three weeks.

Justice Aminuddin Khan indicated that the case could be concluded should the forthcoming reports provide sufficient insight and evidence of practical steps being taken to tackle environmental pollution across Pakistan.

The cause list for Nov 14 and 15 shows that the six-member constitutional bench will hear approximately 34 cases. This marks the first hearing for the newly formed bench, established under the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

The bench is scheduled to review 18 cases on Thursday, with the remaining 16 cases set for Friday. Alongside Justice Aminuddin, the bench includes Justice Mandokhel, Justice Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Hilali and Justice Afghan.

Due to Justice Ayesha A Malik’s unavailability on Nov 14 and 15, a relevant committee decided to form a bench of all available judges to address the cases on these dates.