LAHORE — The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed all relevant departments to submit detailed progress reports on anti-smog measures by November 12, as the city continues to struggle with deteriorating air quality. Justice Shahid Karim issued these instructions while hearing multiple petitions concerning smog prevention and environmental protection, stressing that vague promises would no longer be acceptable. The court emphasized the need for timely and verifiable action to address Lahore’s persistent pollution problem.
During the hearing, representatives from several government departments, including the Motorway Police and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), appeared before the court. A member of the Judicial Water and Environmental Commission informed the bench that heavy traffic movement in Lahore increases significantly after 11pm, worsening smog levels across major roads. Justice Karim noted that controlling vehicular emissions was crucial, observing that the city’s smog would not improve without strict and regular vehicle inspections.
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The DIG Motorway Police assured the court that the department had already assisted in earlier pilot projects and was ready to support ongoing initiatives. However, Justice Karim remarked that enforcement must extend beyond limited campaigns and evolve into a sustained system of monitoring. He highlighted that unchecked vehicular pollution remains a primary contributor to the worsening air quality, urging coordination among all departments to ensure visible results in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the court also sought clarification from the PHA regarding the use of public parks for commercial activities. Justice Karim questioned how many restaurants or barbecue outlets had been allowed to operate inside green spaces, expressing concern over the increasing commercialisation of parks. The judge warned that turning parks into business zones by cutting trees was unacceptable, stating that such practices directly undermine the city’s environmental balance and long-term sustainability.
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Justice Karim underscored that tackling Lahore’s smog requires concrete, coordinated, and science-based actions. He stressed the importance of protecting green spaces, managing nighttime heavy traffic, enforcing pollution checks, and regulating urban expansion. Before adjourning the hearing, the court instructed all departments to submit verified implementation reports by November 12, warning that continued negligence in environmental governance would invite strict judicial scrutiny.