Trees play a vital role in overcoming environmental pollution issues. There are numerous laws which either protect the cutting of trees or give directions to plant trees for specific classes of people. The laws applicable in Punjab, Pakistan, regarding cutting or plantation of trees are discussed below:
- The Parks and Horticulture Authority Act, 2012: Pertains to green areas, green belts, heritage parks, and public parks in Lahore. The Act prohibits tree cutting. The Government may, by notification, extend it to any other areas of Punjab.
- The Punjab Plantation and Maintenance of Trees Act, 1974: Pertains to any area in a town or village not occupied by a building but land utilized for agricultural purposes and activities related to agriculture or pastures. It extends to the whole of Punjab. The Act emphasizes the plantation of trees.
- Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1992: Pertains to the preservation of trees near the external frontiers of Pakistan, including the fields falling in the first zone & second zone, and prohibits cutting of trees.
- The Punjab Local Government Act, 2019: Pertains to the whole province of Punjab except the Cantonment areas specified under the Cantonments Act, 1924, and the Cantonments Ordinance, 2002, and such other areas under the active possession and direct control of the Armed Forces of Pakistan that may be notified by the Government for this purpose. The Act prohibits tree cutting.
- The Forest Act, 1927 [Punjab]: Pertains to forests, forest land, reserved forests, protected forests, village forests, un-classed forests, forest products, and timber in the province of Punjab and prohibits tree cutting.
- The Cantonments Act, 1924: Deals with Cantonment areas in Pakistan and prohibits tree cutting in green belts.
- The Cantonment Ordinance, 2002: Applicable to Cantonment areas in Pakistan and prohibits tree cutting.
- The Lahore Canal Heritage Park Act, 2013: Pertains to the extent of Lahore Canal and other specified areas, including green belts on both sides of the Canal, and prohibits cutting of trees.