LAHORE: During the hearing of a Supreme Court (SC) case on Thursday regarding the destruction of the historical Katas Raj Temples because of the factories operating nearby, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar who was heading the three-member bench designated for the case, questioned that who authorised the factories to increase their production from 5000 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes.
CJP Nisar asked whether it was the federal government or the provincial government that authorised the factories to increase their production. CJP also asked whether the trees that were cut for the construction of cement factories were replaced or not.
SC took suo moto action following media reports about the destruction of the historical site because of the factories operating nearby who use ground water for cement production and due to which the pond of Katas Raj Temples was drying out.
Punjab Additional Advocate General Aasma Hamid presented a report to confirm that the water level of the pond had been reducing since the factories were established in the area.
CJP Nisar also criticised Punjab government for being late in taking action against the increase in production by the factories. He added that that it was the duty of the government to ensure industrial growth while protecting the environment as well.
He also questioned Saddiqul Farooq’s qualification for being the chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and added that the chairman of the trust must be a trustworthy person. He also held Farooq responsible for the decaying condition of the historical site.
