LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday expressed serious displeasure over the Punjab government’s inadequate measures to combat smog and warned that the deteriorating air quality in Lahore had reached alarming levels.
Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing several petitions related to smog control, pollution abatement and groundwater protection, criticized the authorities for their failure to enforce existing restrictions and implement effective policies.
The court questioned why restaurant hours and other administrative curbs — previously imposed to reduce emissions — were not enforced.
Justice Karim summoned the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore to appear in person on Tuesday to explain the inaction.
He also ordered strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles and directed the environmental protection department and the traffic police to ensure immediate compliance.
Judge Karim noted that the ongoing legal proceedings were not intended to target the government but to help it meet its environmental obligations.
“Around 70% of the pollution in Lahore comes from transport emissions,” he noted, calling on the authorities to fix systemic failures instead of shifting blame.
