LHC orders closure of markets at 8pm, other measures in smog-ridden Punjab
Pakistan
Govt apprehensive about measures taken by court, says judge
Judge calls for work from home policy in offices, institutions
Asks govt to direct Lahore commissioner, deputy commissioner to make rounds on roads during night
Court orders Rs50,000 fine on smoke-emitting vehicles for deterrence
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered closure of markets across Punjab at 8pm to mitigate adverse effects of smog.
Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC conducted hearing of the case about taking measures against smog and air pollution in Lahore.
During the hearing, the LHC issued orders of stopping cars, buses and other heavy traffic from entering Lahore.
"Trucks and trailers are the biggest contributors of smog," the judge remarked while ordering the authorities to deploy the Dolphin police to control the traffic.
He recounted court's repeated calls to the government for controlling smog, adding that smoke billowing out of heavy traffic was a major cause of smog.
"If the government has issued notices to the buses and cars, why they haven't stopped from entering Lahore yet," the judge wondered.
The judge urged the government to impose fines worth Rs50,000 on smoke-emitting vehicles while advising the transport department to take decisive meaures against those violating instructions.
'GOVT APPREHENSIVE ABOUT COURT MEASURES'
Justice Karim further said the court was taking these measures to assist the government, adding that the government was not cooperating on the matter.
He urged the government to direct the commissioner and Lahore deputy commissioner to make rounds on roads during the night to look out for those not following the directives given by the Punjab government.
He also took jibe at the government for only allowing one dish at the wedding functions but failing to control the number of guests.
WORK FROM HOME
The court further ordered the government to implement work-from-home policy while ensuring closure of markets at 8pm, and complete closure on Sundays.
"There is an emergency situation in Punjab due to smog. The scourge of smog won't be controlled within a year by taking these measures rather it will take five years. China has been successful in controlling smog," he concluded.
