PESHAWAR — The Peshawar High Court has banned glacier ice harvesting in Upper Dir and other northern regions, following a contempt petition that highlighted ongoing environmental violations. As a result, the court took immediate action against the illegal extraction of glacier ice.
A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice Inamullah Khan, heard the petition. Advocate Tariq Afghan filed the case and informed the court that local authorities failed to enforce earlier orders. Despite repeated warnings, officials allowed glacier ice harvesting to continue.
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During the hearing, the petitioner presented video evidence. The footage clearly showed individuals cutting glacier ice and transporting it down from the mountains. Moreover, he pointed out that ice from Upper Dir, Swat, Buner, and Mansehra was being used in summer for commercial purposes.
In response, Justice Inamullah Khan asked the officials, “What justification do you have after watching this video?” Similarly, Justice Ejaz Anwar remarked, “If we don’t intervene, you all submit reports claiming that everything is fine.”
Additionally, Assistant Commissioner Upper Dir Sohail Ahmad Shah, Additional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Additional Advocate General Taimoor Khan appeared in court. The Assistant Commissioner stated that he was unaware of the court’s previous orders. However, he requested two days to implement Section 144 and ensure a complete ban.
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The court rejected the delay and issued an immediate order banning glacier ice harvesting. Furthermore, it directed the deputy commissioners of Upper Dir, Swat, Buner, and Mansehra to enforce this ban strictly.
Tariq Afghan argued that glacier ice harvesting directly contributes to environmental degradation and climate change. “This is a serious threat to our ecosystem. It’s not simply about selling ice,” he explained.
Consequently, the court warned local officials of legal action if they fail to comply. In conclusion, the bench ordered strict enforcement of the ban and demanded a detailed compliance report from all concerned authorities.
