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Brewery Wins Interim Relief Amid EPA Delay
11 Jun
Summary
- Court ordered EPA to explain delays in environmental standards for ethanol industry.
- Brewery received interim relief regarding proposed Punjab Environmental Quality Standards.
- Economic contributions of the brewery were considered by the court.
The Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi Bench has ordered the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clarify delays in establishing revised environmental standards for the ethanol and distillery industry. This directive comes as the court granted interim relief to M/s Murree Brewery Co. Ltd. in its petition challenging the proposed Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS).
Justice Jawad Hassan of the Rawalpindi Bench heard the brewery's petition, which argued that the draft PEQS lacked technical input and violated fundamental rights. The brewery highlighted its substantial investments in environmental compliance, including advanced wastewater treatment and afforestation. While acknowledging the brewery's economic contributions, including export earnings and job creation, the court also noted that some aspects of the challenge were before a specialized tribunal.
The court examined a Chemical Analysis Test Report indicating the brewery's effluent was within the draft standards' permissible limits. Notices were issued to respondents, and a senior EPA officer must appear on June 22, 2026, to explain the delay. While granting temporary relief, the court stressed that environmental compliance remains a non-negotiable obligation.
