Islamabad, Nov 8: LHC Orders Early Market Closures to Combat Rising Smog Levels. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has recently escalated its efforts to address the growing smog issue in Lahore by implementing strict regulations aimed at lowering pollution rates. In light of petitions that pointed out the government’s insufficient response to this problem, the court has undertaken definitive actions to tackle air quality issues in the city.
In a recent session, the LHC mandated that Early Market Closures by 8 p.m. each day and enforced a work-from-home policy for private sectors two days a week. Furthermore, markets are required to remain shut on Sundays, which helps reduce traffic and aids in lowering air pollution. These measures have emerged following reports indicating that prolonged exposure to smog poses severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable urban communities.
Justice Shahid Karim, who is overseeing the case, underscored the importance of rigorous enforcement with a specific focus on vehicles that contribute to pollution. The court has directed traffic police to perform comprehensive inspections and to clamp down on vehicles that emit smoke. The LHC also instructed Dolphin Police to support the enforcement of these rules, imposing substantial fines of Rs. 50,000 on vehicles that release excessive smoke. Such penalties demonstrate the court’s dedication to stringent regulations aimed at controlling emissions and enhancing air quality.
The court additionally examined the impact of heavy traffic, notably trucks and trailers, which play a significant role in exacerbating Lahore’s smog. To alleviate this issue, the LHC has imposed restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles into the city during busy periods. The judge voiced dissatisfaction with previous notifications from the provincial government, indicating that they were insufficient, and called for more consistent enforcement throughout the week.
Justice Karim stressed that addressing Lahore’s smog issue requires ongoing dedication, citing international examples like China’s long-term strategies for pollution management. The court’s initiatives signal a significant step toward achieving a healthier urban environment, promoting governmental accountability, and establishing a comprehensive plan to mitigate Lahore’s smog levels in the years ahead.
