LAHORE, Nov 8 (Alliance News): In a significant move to curb smog and environmental pollution, the Lahore High Court has ordered the closure of markets across Punjab at 8 PM.
The decision came after a hearing regarding the growing environmental crisis, with Justice Shahid Karim presiding over petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others.
During the hearing, the court also directed that trucks, lorries, buses, and trawlers be banned from entering Lahore city.
Justice Karim emphasized that these heavy vehicles contribute significantly to the smog and pollution.
He instructed that specialized police, including the Dolphin Police, be deployed to control the heavy traffic that exacerbates the pollution problem.
The court raised concerns about the lack of enforcement, questioning why vehicles emitting smoke continue to operate without fitness certificates.
“Why have fines not been imposed on smoke-emitting vehicles? Why are they still allowed on the roads?” remarked Justice Karim.
The court also advised the government to step up its efforts to tackle the smog, expressing concern that authorities might not fully support the measures.
Justice Karim emphasized that the issue needed urgent attention from local administration, urging the Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner of Lahore to inspect the situation during nighttime to assess the extent of the problem.
Additionally, the court mandated the implementation of a work-from-home policy during the smog crisis and recommended the closure of markets on Sundays. The judge further suggested a ban on vehicles emitting smoke from entering the motorway and ring roads, to reduce pollution.
Justice Karim warned that while the measures would not have immediate results, the changes were necessary for long-term progress, with a clear acknowledgment that the full effects of these actions would take up to five years to materialize.
