Lahore: LHC orders demolition of wall erected near GOR-I

[Naveed Yaseen]

LAHORE: Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday ordered the demolition of a wall erected at the entry gate of the Race Course Park facing GOR-I for security. While dismissing the petition, the judge also restrained the provincial government from cutting trees in the area, with a view to protect its beautification and environment. The judge observed that security measures should be taken for the safety of people, but should not include erecting walls and blocking of roads on a permanent basis. The judge remarked that the authorities could make security arrangements and place barricades on the roads, but thoroughfares should not be blocked. On Wednesday, the respondents – the Lahore commissioner, the Punjab Police inspector general (IG) and the Parks and Horticulture (PHA) director general appeared before the court and defended the government’s decision to raise the wall, saying it had been done for security reasons. The respondents stated that eight out of 12 roads in GOR-I had been opened, and a huge area would be provided as an alternative parking lot. The judge also ordered that the Naval War College Road be reopened after some students told the court that the police had blocked it, causing problems for them. A local lawyer had challenging the closure of the Race Course Park Gate No 3 on the directions of the IG. staff report

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