LHC urges crackdown on smoky vehicles, calls heritage protection a welcome step

LAHORE (Dunya News) — Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday termed the efforts to preserve historical heritage in the Neela Gumbad project a positive development. The court also directed authorities to intensify action against smoke-emitting vehicles on the roads.

Justice Shahid Karim was hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others.

During the proceedings, the court remarked that Bahawalpur had the highest recorded Air Quality Index, with heavy traffic being the major cause. The judge noted that smoke-emitting vehicles could be seen on roads, emphasising that senior officials from the Environment Department should be visibly present on the streets so the public feels compelled to follow the rules.

The court further observed that numerous construction projects were still underway in Lahore, causing persistent dust pollution. J
ustice Karim remarked that anti-smog measures are of no use if dust keeps returning, stressing that this issue must be controlled and that LDA and other departments must complete their tasks.

The court also sought a report on WASA meters at the next hearing. The government lawyer assured the court that no trees would be cut in cantonment areas without permission. The PHA lawyer informed the court that when he was hired as a consultant for the Yellow Line project, he made it clear that no trees would be cut—telling the DG that he would resign if tree-cutting was approved. Justice Shahid Karim praised the stance, saying a person should remain firm on their principles.

During the hearing, LDA submitted its report on road-rehabilitation projects in Lahore, stating that 62 such projects are currently in progress. WASA has yet to hand over 27 projects to LDA, while 35 have been completed and handed over.

The LHC adjourned the proceedings for one week and sought updated reports from the relevant departments.