LAHROE, November 8, 2024: In an effort to curb the growing smog and air pollution in Lahore, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed that all markets across Punjab be closed by 8 PM starting this Friday.
The ruling came during a hearing on measures to tackle the worsening air quality in the city, which has become a major health concern.
Justice Shahid Karim, who presided over the case, expressed serious concerns over the government’s failure to address the issue of pollution effectively.
During the hearing, the judge pointed out that heavy traffic, particularly trucks and trailers, were among the largest contributors to the smog.
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He specifically ordered the deployment of Dolphin Police units to manage traffic and prevent large vehicles from entering the city.
“The trucks and trailers are the biggest contributors to smog,” Justice Karim remarked, calling for stricter enforcement of the rules.
The judge also criticized the government for not implementing previous court directives, particularly regarding the control of heavy vehicle traffic.
In a stern move, Justice Karim urged the government to impose fines of Rs 50,000 on those violating the smog-related restrictions.
He also questioned why the government had failed to take action against buses and cars that continued to enter Lahore despite prior warnings.
The court’s order also included the implementation of a work-from-home policy to reduce traffic and office congestion.
Additionally, the LHC instructed that markets be shut down by 8 PM every day and completely closed on Sundays. These measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and limit outdoor activity during the peak pollution hours.
Justice Karim made it clear that the court was stepping in to help the government in its fight against smog, given the lack of sufficient action on the part of the authorities.
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He urged the government to ensure that the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Lahore conduct night-time checks to ensure compliance with the new measures.
The LHC’s orders come at a time when Lahore is grappling with dangerously high levels of air pollution, with smog causing severe health risks for residents.
The court has called for urgent and more effective action to protect public health and improve air quality in the city.