LAHORE: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali has taken decisive action against the unauthorized cutting of trees at the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre. The Vice Chancellor ordered an immediate cessation of further tree cutting activities and initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Timber from the felled trees was also seized.
According to University of the Punjab, the administration of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre began the tree cutting operation on Sunday night without notifying the university administration. The illegal activity was discovered when security personnel reported it, prompting guards to intervene and stop the cutting. They also intercepted a tractor-trolley loaded with the cut timber. The administration of the Islamic Centre had hired a private contractor for the task without obtaining the necessary approvals.
The spokesperson noted that while some of the trees cut were dry, the operation did not adhere to the required regulations. Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali described the incident as regrettable and emphasized that illegal tree cutting is a serious violation. He has called for strict measures against those accountable. In response to the loss, Dr. Ali announced plans to plant hundreds of new trees at the site promptly.