Pakistan: Fecto Cement prosecuted over violating national park

Pakistan’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that it has stripped the Fecto Cement Company of its lease of plant and issued a fine of PKR420m (US$4m), the Express Tribune reports.

The move comes after the company was accused of illegally dumping explosives in the Margalla Hills National Park, but also concerns a dispute within the state government itself.

In June 2012, Fecto Cement had extended a just-expired limestone mining lease for 18 years. However, while this decision was approved by the director for industries and mineral development, it was opposed by his colleague responsible for forestry.

Despite these objections, Fecto Cement continued its mining operations, leading to the CDA’s action today. The authority also said it had removed five stone crushing units installed just outside the boundary of the national park.