The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the Punjab government to initiate a province-wide crackdown against smoke-emitting vehicles to combat worsening smog and air pollution. Justice Shahid Karim issued the order while hearing multiple petitions concerning environmental pollution and Lahore’s deteriorating air quality. He instructed authorities to conduct an aggressive two to three-week campaign targeting polluting vehicles, particularly those traveling long routes from Lahore to Karachi, which contribute significantly to toxic emissions.
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Justice Karim expressed disappointment over the absence of senior officials from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) despite earlier court orders. During the hearing, he emphasised that previous directives on curbing air pollution had not been fully implemented, saying that Lahore’s air would have been cleaner if compliance had been ensured. He directed the EPA to install warning banners across the city, cautioning motorists that vehicles emitting smoke would be impounded. The agency confirmed that several banners had already been placed at key intersections.
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The court also ordered the EPA to deploy officers, accompanied by police personnel, at intercity bus terminals and motorway toll plazas to inspect vehicles. Justice Karim further instructed authorities to conduct strict checks along the GT Road from Lahore to Multan to identify violators. He directed the provincial law officer to convene a joint meeting with representatives from the environment, traffic, and transport departments to coordinate enforcement measures and ensure consistent action across Punjab.
During the proceedings, an EPA representative informed the court that approximately 60 tons of old tyres had been confiscated from industrial units in South Punjab and other cities. These tyres were being burned as fuel, adding to the province’s already severe air pollution. The court commended the seizure but ordered continued monitoring to prevent further illegal burning practices. Justice Karim reiterated that controlling vehicular and industrial emissions was vital to reversing Lahore’s worsening air quality crisis.
Over recent weeks, Lahore has consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. On Friday, the global air quality index IQAir recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 177 for Lahore — a level deemed “unhealthy” and the fifth worst globally. Justice Karim reminded officials that the court’s intent was not punitive but corrective, urging authorities to take immediate and coordinated action to restore clean air for citizens and protect public health across Punjab.