LHC Mandates Capturing Of Smoke Emitting Vehicles

To combat smog in the provincial capital, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has instructed the seizure of vehicles emitting smoke due to multiple violations.

In a recent case hearing, Justice Shahid Karim mandated that the district administration and traffic police take strong actions against vehicles contributing to air pollution.

Furthermore, the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency was cautioned that non-compliance with the court’s directives could result in a contempt of court notice.

Read more : Severe Smog in Lahore May Lead To School Closure

Additionally, Deputy Commissioners (DCs) throughout Punjab have been tasked with establishing smog control cells. The Commissioner of Lahore was specifically instructed to ensure the implementation of the court’s orders.

Justice Shahid Karim also encouraged government employees to use bicycles to help address smog issues in the provincial capital. He emphasized that the DCs should ensure the participation of Tehsildars and police inspectors in smog reduction efforts.

The judge directed the Commissioner of Lahore to establish an emergency cell within his office dedicated to smog-related matters and to generate daily reports.

Previously, the LHC had issued stringent orders to combat smog, including fines for washing vehicles at home, wrong parking, and the suspension of new construction projects between October and March.

Notably, the caretaker Punjab government had already prohibited the entry of smoke-emitting vehicles into Lahore, with the Punjab Transport Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi issuing a stern warning to officials.