The Lahore High Court has proposed strict measures to tackle smog in the city, expressing frustration over the worsening air quality and delayed action by authorities.
During the hearing of the smog‑remediation case, Justice Shahid Karim emphasized that immediate steps were necessary to improve Lahore’s environment.
The court suggested closing commercial activities on Sundays for a month and enforcing strict closing times for wedding halls and markets. Justice Karim expressed anger over the lack of compliance with existing notifications and said such measures should have been implemented three months ago.
Authorities from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) were reprimanded for ongoing construction projects that leave debris and dust across the city, worsening the smog situation. The court asked officials to submit full project details and appear in court the following day.
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Environmental authorities were also directed to continue inspections of motorcycles, three‑wheelers, and rickshaws, and to maintain constant patrols. Justice Karim warned that failure to act promptly has already caused avoidable harm to the city’s air quality.
The hearing was adjourned to Friday, with the court seeking detailed timelines for WASA and LDA projects, including expected completion dates.
