PESHAWAR: In a significant environmental ruling, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has imposed a ban on the commercial removal and transportation of snow from mountainous areas, citing serious ecological and climate concerns.
The decision came during a hearing on the commercial exploitation of glaciers, where the court raised alarms over the practice of extracting snow from scenic and environmentally fragile regions such as Dir, Swat, Buner, and Mansehra.
A written order issued by the court noted that such activities were contributing to the degradation of natural ecosystems and accelerating the effects of climate change. The court emphasized the urgent need to protect Pakistan’s already vulnerable climate-sensitive zones.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had submitted a report on the matter, but the court found it lacking in substance and clarity. In response, the court has directed the EPA to conduct a more thorough investigation and submit a comprehensive report before the next hearing.
An official from the National Highway Authority (NHA) admitted that snow was indeed being commercially transported from mountain regions—an acknowledgment that reinforced the court’s concerns.
Environmental activists have praised the ruling, calling it a necessary step to safeguard Pakistan’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains, which are crucial for water supply, biodiversity, and climate balance.
For now, the case has been adjourned indefinitely, but the court’s interim ban sends a strong message against the exploitation of natural resources at the cost of the environment.
