LHC suggests closure of all commercial activities on Sundays to curb smog
Pakistan
The LHC also directed the strict implementation of the government’s notification requiring markets to close by 10 PM
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq): The Lahore High Court (LHC) has proposed a complete shutdown of commercial activities across the city on Sundays to curb worsening smog.
The LHC also directed the strict implementation of the government’s notification requiring markets to close by 10 PM and restaurants by 11 PM.
Justice Shahid Karim issued these remarks while hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Mohsin Raza appeared before the court during the proceedings.
The judge questioned the DC about the continued violations of the 2023 notification on market timings, emphasizing that authorities must ensure its enforcement. In response, the DC confirmed that, according to the notification, markets must close by 10 PM and restaurants by 11 PM.
During the hearing, Justice Karim proposed that all commercial activities should remain suspended on Sundays for at least one month to help reduce pollution levels, suggesting that the measure could be extended to two months or four weeks if necessary. He also directed authorities to monitor marriage halls, ensuring they close by 10 PM, and noted violations of the one-dish rule, though he said that issue was not directly related to the environment.
Read also: Punjab Govt enforces new market timings in Lahore to combat smog crisis
Expressing concern over ongoing WASA construction projects, the court remarked that the work had been continuing for six months without completion, causing dust and accidents across the city. Justice Karim questioned why large pipes had been left on roads for months and observed that the excessive dust was worsening Lahore’s smog problem.
The judge stressed that every department must fulfill its responsibilities, questioning why the Environment Department, WASA, and LDA were not imposing fines for negligence. The court ordered WASA to submit a detailed report outlining the timelines and completion dates of all its ongoing projects. The hearing was adjourned until Friday, when the court will resume proceedings in the smog control case.
