LHC to Hear Junaid Hafeez Appeal Amidst Environmental Concerns
The LHC's hearing of Hafeez's appeal comes at a time when the court is also focusing on environmental concerns, including smog and pollution, and has ordered various measures to mitigate these issues, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to justice and sustainability.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) is set to hear an appeal against the death sentence of former university lecturer Junaid Hafeez on March 19, amidst concerns over environmental pollution and the need for effective measures to tackle smog in the region.
Hafeez was sentenced to death by a Multan district and sessions court on December 21, 2019, on blasphemy charges, which the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan claims were false accusations. His case has been marred by irregularities, including the transfer of at least seven judges and the intimidation of his lawyers, and he has been in solitary confinement since 2013.
In a separate development, the LHC expressed dissatisfaction with the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) performance and warned of emergency measures over delayed water meter installation. The court also criticized the slow pace of water meter installation and directed WASA to submit an updated report by next Friday. Furthermore, the court urged the government to formulate a policy to support the transition to electric vehicles and provide incentives to companies promoting them.
The LHC also ordered the installation of electric vehicle charging facilities at all fuel stations to mitigate smog and directed the Lahore Development Authority to introduce a tax relief policy for eco-friendly buildings. The court emphasized the need for an incentive plan to convert petrol-run rickshaws to electric ones and ordered the establishment of Miyawaki forests in each sector.
As the LHC prepares to hear Hafeez's appeal, it remains to be seen how the court will address the concerns surrounding his case, while also tackling the pressing environmental issues in the region. The court's efforts to promote eco-friendly initiatives and address pollution are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for the citizens.