The Lahore High Court has issued a written order regarding the previous hearing of the smog treatment case. Due to Eidil Azha markets are directed to extend their opening hours
According to the written order, markets can remain open from Monday to Thursday until 12 midnight, and from Friday to Sunday until 1 am. The written order mentions a delay in reducing water levels due to court orders. In Lahore, the water level was only 1.3 meters below the surface annually, whereas in 2017, it was 6.5 meters below. Groundwater is being used instead of canal water in Bagh-e-Jinnah due to encroachments.
The lawyers of the Punjab government should ensure the elimination of encroachments through coordination with the administration, as instructed by the LHC. The steps taken by the Punjab government to tackle smog are commendable.
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During the hearing of smog related petitions on Friday Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court permitted markets to remain open until 12 am on the occasion of Eidul Azha.
