Summary The Lahore High Court ordered timely implementation of plantation projects, stressing tree survival, proper maintenance and lasting environmental benefits.
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Lahore High Court has directed authorities to continue implementing approved and proposed plantation projects along the M-3 Motorway and major roads in Multan, and to complete pending approvals and procurement processes on time.
The court ruled that the success of plantation initiatives should be measured not merely by the number of trees planted, but also by their survival, healthy growth and proper maintenance.
Justice Jawad Hassan reviewed implementation reports submitted by relevant government departments while hearing a petition filed by Muhammad Tahir Jamal and a connected application.
During the hearing, the additional advocate general of Punjab informed the court that plantation activities were underway along the M-3 Motorway and various roads in Multan. Meetings of a consultative committee had also been held to reduce environmental risks and increase green cover.
The court was informed that 5,280 plants had been planted at service areas and rest areas along the M-3 Motorway in October 2026. Procurement was underway to plant fruit-bearing trees along a 36-kilometre stretch of the motorway, while estimates for planting new trees and maintaining existing ones along other sections were awaiting approval.
National Highway Authority officials said additional signboards identifying service areas had also been installed at intervals of approximately 10 kilometres to facilitate travellers.
Officials further informed the court that a plan had been prepared to plant a total of 28,215 saplings along major roads in Multan district during the 2026-27 financial year.
Under the plan, 19,140 saplings will be planted along Multan-Vehari Road, 4,125 along Khanewal Road and 990 along Head Muhammad Wala Road. Another 1,980 saplings are planned at Sher Shah Toll Plaza on Muzaffargarh Road, with an additional 1,980 at the Sher Shah Road intersection. The plantation work will cover various stretches spanning a combined 85.5 kilometres.
Authorities said the plantation project for Multan-Vehari Road had been approved, while the other three projects were awaiting approval. The saplings would be maintained and cared for over four years after implementation, they added.
The Forest Department has also introduced a system to record the geographical locations of plantation sites, photographs, plant species and survival rates to monitor project progress and outcomes.
The court appreciated the efforts made by the Multan divisional commissioner, National Highway Authority, Forest Department, Higher Education Department and other relevant authorities.
Justice Jawad Hassan also described the “One Student, One Plant” initiative as a positive step towards raising environmental awareness among students.
The court directed authorities to ensure that plantation projects were not limited to beautifying roads and public spaces. It said planning should also take into account local climate, soil conditions, water availability, biodiversity and the protection of wild pollinators, including honeybees.
The court called for durable, dense and shade-providing trees to be planted at suitable locations, suggesting consideration of neem, shisham, peepal and varieties of acacia suited to the local environment.
Justice Jawad Hassan clarified that the final selection of tree species should be made by relevant technical experts after assessing local conditions and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Authorities were also directed to ensure adequate watering, protection of saplings, replacement of dead or damaged plants and regular monitoring to secure lasting environmental benefits.
The court ordered the relevant authorities to continue implementing approved and proposed projects in accordance with the law and complete pending approvals and procurement procedures within the prescribed time.
It emphasised that the true measure of plantation projects would be the survival of trees, proper maintenance and their lasting positive impact on the environment.
