The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered an indiscriminate crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles across Punjab as part of ongoing efforts to tackle worsening smog conditions in the province.
Read More: LHC orders Punjab govt to crack down on smoke–emitting vehicles
Justice Shahid Karim issued the written order while hearing petitions related to environmental pollution and smog mitigation. The court directed the Environment Protection Department (EPD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action against all vehicles contributing to air pollution, without exception.
In a significant directive, the court ordered that enforcement measures must also apply to government vehicles. These include vehicles operated by the police, educational institutions and other public sector departments, stressing that no entity should be exempt from environmental laws.
The LHC further instructed the EPA to initiate action against residents and developers in housing societies who fail to follow standard operating procedures at construction sites. Poor construction practices, including unchecked dust emissions, were identified as a major contributor to air pollution and smog in urban areas.
The court also directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to submit detailed reports at the next hearing regarding the restoration of parks and the replantation of trees. The bench emphasised that green spaces play a critical role in improving air quality and mitigating environmental damage.
During the proceedings, the court noted that the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had submitted a report concerning Nasir Bagh. According to the order, the LDA has formed a three-member committee to oversee matters related to the historic site.
The committee has been tasked with consulting relevant stakeholders and presenting recommendations for the protection and preservation of Nasir Bagh. The court directed that a comprehensive report on the project and protective measures be submitted at the next hearing.
Read More: LHC orders action against smoke–emitting police vehicles
Justice Karim also sought compliance reports from all relevant government departments and adjourned the proceedings until the first week of January, warning that failure to implement the court’s directions would invite strict action.