Court says unchecked vehicular emissions are choking the city

LHC Orders Indiscriminate Action Against Smog-Causing Vehicles

As Lahore continues to battle worsening smog, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered strict and indiscriminate action against vehicles contributing to air pollution, making it clear that no institution, public or private, will be exempt.

The directions came in a detailed written order issued after hearings on petitions seeking urgent measures to curb smog and environmental degradation in the provincial capital.

No Exemptions for Government or Private Vehicles

The court observed that unchecked vehicular emissions remain one of the biggest contributors to smog and require immediate and effective enforcement.

It directed the Environment Department to take action against all smoke-emitting vehicles without discrimination, explicitly stating that government buses including those operated by police departments and educational institutions must also comply.

The court stressed that selective enforcement would defeat the purpose of smog control and that uniform application of the law was essential.

Construction Dust Also Under Scrutiny

The LHC also raised serious concerns over ongoing construction activities in housing societies, noting that failure to follow environmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) is significantly adding to dust and air pollution.

The court ordered relevant authorities to ensure strict implementation of construction-related SOPs, warning that unchecked construction practices are worsening Lahore’s air quality crisis.

Parks and Trees Seen as Long-Term Solution

Highlighting the importance of green spaces, the court directed authorities to submit reports on the restoration of parks managed by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), along with details of tree plantation and replanting efforts.

These reports are expected to show tangible progress in green restoration, which the court described as a critical component of long-term smog mitigation.

Nasir Bagh Project Under Review

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) informed the court that a three-member committee has been formed to review matters related to Nasir Bagh.

According to the court order, the committee will consult stakeholders and members associated with the project before submitting its recommendations on the protection and future of Nasir Bagh.

The court directed that the committee’s findings be presented at the next hearing, reiterating that preserving green spaces is essential to protecting Lahore’s environment.

Case to Be Heard Again

The written order was issued by Justice Shahid Karim, who has been consistently overseeing smog-related cases.

The matter will be taken up again once the concerned departments submit the required reports, as the court continues to push for concrete action against Lahore’s persistent smog problem.