In its first hearing, the 6-member constitution bench of the Supreme Court sought a report from all the provinces on the measures taken while expressing concern over the increasing environmental pollution in the country.
The constitution bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the petition related to environmental pollution, the bench included Justice Jamal Mandukhel, Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Musrat Hilali.
The bench declared that housing societies are being built everywhere in the country, it was written in the letter to Justice Naseem Hasan Shah that Islamabad is being made into an industrial zone, environmental pollution is not only a problem of Islamabad but of the whole country.
Justice Jamal Mandukhel remarked that vehicle smoke is a major cause of environmental pollution, are efforts being made to stop the smoke? The situation in Punjab is in front of everyone, there were similar situations in Islamabad a few days ago.
Justice Naeem Akhtar declared that due to housing societies, fields are being destroyed, farmers should be provided protection, and nature has given fertile land but everyone is determined to destroy it.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired why the Environment Protection Authority is not playing its role. Justice Jamal Mandukhel remarked that the entire country is facing a serious environmental problem, adding something to petrol that causes pollution.
Justice Musrat Hilali remarked that poultry farms and marble factories operating in Mansehra, the beautiful places of Swat have become victims of pollution.
The Constitution Bench sought a report from all the provinces on the measures taken regarding environmental pollution.
The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing for 3 weeks at the request of the Additional Attorney General.
It should be remembered that yesterday the Supreme Court issued the cause list for the hearing of cases in the Constitutional Bench, according to which the 6-member bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan will hear a total of 34 cases on November 14 and 15.
According to the cause list of cases scheduled for hearing in the Constitutional Bench issued by the Supreme Court, cases related to environmental pollution were scheduled for hearing, including one case from the year 1993.
A day before the release of the cause list, the registrar had issued a roster in which it was stated that Justice Ayesha Malik would not be a part of the bench due to non-availability.
On November 5, a 7-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan was constituted in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan meeting presided over by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.
The first meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan was held in the light of the 26th Amendment, which considered the nomination of judges to the Constitution Benches.
7 members of the 12-member commission voted in support of Justice Aminuddin’s appointment while 5 members opposed it.