LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to the caretaker Punjab government and police on a petition seeking a judicial inquiry into the burning of churches and homes of Christian community in Jaranwala.

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       Justice Asim Hafeez was hearing the petition filed by Bishop Azad Marshall Church of Pakistan.

       The judge directed an assistant advocate general to submit replies on behalf of the respondents by Sept 11.

       The petitioner through a counsel argued that the ongoing investigation into the Jaranwala incident by the police was being held in an irresponsible manner.

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       He said the police had been carrying out its investigation at a snail’s pace, causing benefit to the perpetrators of the incident.

       He asked the court to order the provincial government to hold a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge of the high court so that justice could be served to the victims.

       SUSPENSION: The LHC took strict notice of felling of trees in the city and restrained the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) additional director general from working.

       Justice Shahid Karim also hinted at initiating contempt proceedings against the PHA’s officer.

       The judge observed that the PHA had to discharge its duties diligently to protect Lahore from pollution.

       The judge directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to seek services of environmental experts to avert the impact of heat waves.

       He further ordered the LDA to run campaigns to promote the use of bicycles among public and also consider allocating a separate track for bicyclists on Canal Road.

       Justice Karim was hearing multiple identical petitions on the environment issues.

       Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2023