The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday directed the Punjab government to consider a complete lockdown in the provincial capital for the next week in response to petitions seeking action against the smog in the city.
Justice Shahid Karim gave these directives, and observed that the air quality had reduced to dangerous levels in the provincial capital.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” Justice Karim observed, recommending that a health emergency must be imposed in the entire city of Lahore.
Justice Karim remarked, “If the Punjab government imposes complete lockdown for the entire next week, then private officers/industrial establishments and schools will also remain closed for the entire week in Lahore.”
Advocate Sheraz Zaka and Advocate Azhar Siddique appeared before the bench on behalf of the petitioners and argued that the provincial government was not performing its statutory obligations.
The lawyers argued that the commissioner must close down factories causing air pollution and smog, and must also act against those involved in crop burning.
During the proceedings, the Judicial Water Commission submitted its report before the court, saying that notices were issued to 47 sugar mills across the province for causing air pollution and for not installing water treatment plants.
A representative of Lahore Traffic Police also appeared before the bench and said that they were taking steps to counter smog by controlling traffic congestion and ensuring its flow in the city.
Justice Karim appreciated the efforts of traffic police and adjourned the hearing for next week.
