Islamabad, May 9, 2025: In a decisive move to combat escalating air pollution in Punjab’s capital, the Lahore High Court has mandated a swift and thorough crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles—marking a significant step toward controlling smog in Lahore.
The directive was issued during a Friday hearing led by Justice Shahid Karim, as the court reviewed government efforts to reduce environmental degradation.
Justice Karim instructed the Environment Department to immediately deploy special squads at toll plazas across Lahore, where vehicles will undergo on-the-spot inspections.
These checkpoints will soon be equipped with advanced vehicle monitoring systems to identify non-compliant automobiles.
The judge stressed that no polluting vehicle should be allowed to enter the city, particularly via the motorways and Multan Road.
To tighten control, the use of drone technology was also ordered to detect offenders from the air—offering a modern surveillance solution against mobile sources of air pollution.
Any violators caught attempting to enter Lahore are to be stopped and dealt with at entry points.
Experts have long warned about Lahore’s deteriorating air quality, often ranking among the world’s most polluted cities during the winter months.
The court’s intervention—timed just ahead of the smog season—is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts that have previously lacked strict enforcement.
Justice Karim didn’t stop at vehicle emissions. He emphasized the need for sustainable urban planning and water conservation.
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The court urged the installation of water meters, particularly in commercial establishments, to curb unchecked water wastage.
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has already drafted incentives, such as tax rebates and green certifications, for developers adopting eco-friendly building practices.
The judge instructed the LDA to advertise these benefits publicly and move ahead with issuing tenders for green projects.
In line with broader environmental objectives, a ban on crop stubble burning was also reaffirmed, a known contributor to seasonal smog in Punjab.
Environmental squads are to be deployed not only in Lahore but also at key toll points in Islamabad to ensure cross-regional compliance.
During the session, MAO College’s principal submitted a report on campus restoration and related issues. Justice Karim encouraged formal written submissions for institutional grievances and reminded all stakeholders, “If someone objects, just show them the court order.”
Key figures present included Deputy Attorney General Asad Ali Bajwa and representatives from the Environmental Commission, LDA, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), and traffic authorities.
The court adjourned proceedings until May 16, signaling ongoing judicial oversight.
