The Lahore High Court (LHC) has barred the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) from using or renting city parks for commercial purposes, emphasizing that parks must be maintained primarily for public use.
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The ruling came during hearings on petitions concerning smog, environmental degradation, and water-related issues. Justice Shahid Karim directed that no commercial activity, including restaurants or private events, be conducted in any park without prior approval from the Environmental Commission.
The court also ordered that two parks in Lahore be restored to their original condition and developed as model public spaces. Justice Karim stressed the need for parks to serve the community, suggesting that libraries, recreational areas, and open public spaces would be more appropriate than commercial establishments.
During the proceedings, the court noted that industrial units are the leading contributors to pollution and highlighted the need for a dedicated regulatory unit to monitor environmental compliance in industries.
Petitioners raised concerns about a restaurant at Dungi Ground and a floating restaurant under construction near Jallo Park’s Canal Road, which they argued violated the public nature of these spaces. Justice Karim reiterated that the court had previously instructed the PHA not to establish commercial outlets in parks and urged the authority to comply.
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The LHC adjourned the hearing until January 23, asking the PHA to submit any judicial precedents supporting its stance on commercial use. The decision underscores the court’s commitment to protecting public parks and ensuring they remain accessible for leisure, recreation, and community use rather than private profit.