RAWALPINDI: The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench has warned of legal action against construction. development activities in housing societies, including Bahria Town, along the Soan River corridor if they are found to be obstructing the river’s natural flow or damaging its ecological system.
Justice Jawad Hassan, while hearing a petition regarding environmental concerns surrounding River Soan, directed the relevant authorities to identify constructions, encroachments. other activities carried out within or adjacent to the riverbed and examine their legality under applicable laws and regulations.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Waleed Adnan, along with connected proceedings, raising environmental concerns regarding River Soan. developments in its vicinity.
During the hearing, the court examined a detailed Environmental Assessment Report submitted by Dr Zainab Naeem, Environmental Scientist (SDPI). Associate Research Fellow, following an extensive field survey and scientific assessment of the river corridor passing through Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.
The report highlighted the historical, geological, ecological. hydrological importance of River Soan, describing it as a significant natural resource of the Potohar region. It noted that the river ecosystem supports biodiversity and provides environmental benefits to the surrounding landscape.
However, the assessment raised concerns over increasing vulnerabilities caused by human interventions, including the reduction of natural floodplains, obstruction of water channels, degradation of river habitats, soil erosion, loss of vegetation cover. increased risks of urban flooding due to unplanned development in environmentally sensitive areas.
The report also identified certain encroachments, constructions and development activities within or near the river corridor. It included site-specific observations, photographs. supporting material, while leaving the determination of legality and regulatory compliance of such activities to the competent authorities.
The court made the environmental report part of the judicial record. directed that it remain available for public access and scrutiny, subject to legal requirements, observing that the matter involved the protection of natural resources and issues affecting the public at large.
During the proceedings, counsel for Bahria Town (Private) Limited sought time to submit written arguments.
The court allowed the request and directed Bahria Town to submit its response within 10 days.
The court specifically directed Bahria Town to explain the environmental mitigation measures, if any, proposed for the protection, preservation. rehabilitation of the river ecosystem. The company was also asked to provide details of measures aimed at increasing green cover. ecological restoration through the plantation of native tree species compatible with the local environment.
Justice Jawad Hassan observed that if any activity linked to Bahria Town was found to have adversely affected the natural flow of the river through soil deposition or any other obstruction within the riverbed, remedial measures would be considered in accordance with the law. the recommendations of environmental experts and relevant authorities.
The court observed that such measures could include excavation, removal of obstructions. restoration of affected portions of the river channel.
The case was adjourned for further proceedings.
Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026
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