LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered the closure of all markets across Punjab by 8 p.m. as several parts of Pakistan’s most populated province struggle with a severe smog crisis.
The LHC judge Justice Shahid Karim heard the citizen petitions for smog control. During the hearing, he issued a series of directives aimed at tackling pollution in Lahore and surrounding areas.
The court has ordered that all markets in the province must close by 8 pm daily, with complete closures on Sundays.
The court also banned the entry of smoke-emitting vehicles and heavy trucks into the city.
It directed the provincial administration to restrict the entry of trucks and trawlers into the city, stating that these vehicles are major contributors to smog and environmental degradation.
To better manage traffic flow, the court instructed that the Dolphin Force and other police personnel be deployed to effectively control heavy traffic and ensure smoother movement in and around the city.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the Transport Department’s lack of action, particularly regarding vehicles without valid fitness certificates.
“Every time we hear these cases, the court urges the government to take action to control smog. The primary cause of this pollution is the release of smoke from heavy traffic. If notices have been issued to buses and lorries, why are they still plying the roads?” the judge said.
Earlier this morning, the Lahore air quality improved slightly compared to the previous day, but its Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to remain in the ‘hazardous’ category.
According to the Global website on pollution, Air Quality Index (IQAir), the AQI of Lahore was recorded at 682 at 9am slightly better than Thursday’s average AQI recorded at 784 at the same time.
On Wednesday, the average AQI of Lahore was 1115.
Lahore, the home of more than 14 million people, is regularly ranked the most populated city in the world.
The Punjab’s Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department reported that 129,000 people in Lahore are currently suffering from health issues related to poor air quality.
