To further manage the situation, the LHC instructed the deployment of police forces and Dolphin Force personnel to monitor the roads and ensure compliance
By our correspondent
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has taken significant measures to address the worsening smog crisis in Punjab, issuing immediate directives aimed at curbing pollution and protecting public health. In a bid to combat the environmental emergency, the court ordered the implementation of a work-from-home policy and mandated that all markets close by 8 PM, with an additional ban on Sunday operations. Justice Shahid Karim, who led the proceedings, emphasized the urgency of controlling smog and pollution, which has become a pressing issue in Lahore and other major cities in the region.
As part of its broader strategy, the LHC directed a ban on smoke-emitting vehicles entering key areas such as the motorway and ring roads. Recognizing that achieving a noticeable reduction in smog levels will take time, the court referred to China’s successful long-term pollution control efforts as a model, noting that the impact of these measures might take up to five years to manifest fully. Additionally, the court prohibited the entry of trucks, buses, and trailers into the city, citing their substantial contribution to air pollution.
To further manage the situation, the LHC instructed the deployment of police forces and Dolphin Force personnel to monitor the roads and ensure compliance. It also imposed hefty fines, with smoke-emitting buses facing penalties of Rs 50,000 for each violation. The court emphasized that the government must continue to take decisive action as long as the issue remains pressing, urging regular evaluations of the smog situation, particularly at night when pollution levels tend to peak.
On Friday, air quality indices in cities like Multan and Lahore reached alarming levels, with Multan recording an air quality index of 2135 and Lahore at 290. Other cities such as Peshawar and Rawalpindi also saw high pollution levels. As part of its anti-smog campaign, the Punjab government has been actively inspecting smoke-emitting generators and vehicles, seizing 47 vehicles and levying fines totaling Rs 550,000 in the past 24 hours. Several food outlets have also been sealed for violating environmental regulations.
