Court Orders Strict Action to Control Rising Pollution
The Lahore High Court has ordered a complete ban on commercial activities every Sunday across the city in an effort to tackle worsening smog and air pollution. The directive, issued by Justice Shahid Karim, aims to reduce vehicular and industrial emissions that have severely impacted Lahore’s air quality in recent years.
According to the court order, markets and restaurants must close by 10 p.m., and wedding halls are required to end all functions by the same time. Authorities have been instructed to enforce the closure orders strictly, ensuring no exemptions are granted.
Accountability and Enforcement
Justice Karim emphasized that the purpose of the notification is not merely symbolic, but a practical step toward improving air quality. He warned that all relevant departments must demonstrate compliance. The court has also mandated that a Director-level officer from the Environment Department attend each hearing to present a progress report.
The judge added that reducing smog requires consistent enforcement rather than one-time campaigns. Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most polluted cities, frequently ranks among the world’s worst for air quality during winter. Recently, Lahore once again ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, underscoring the urgency of the court’s latest directives. In recent weeks, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 400 in some areas, a level considered hazardous by international standards.
Infrastructure and Traffic Concerns
During the proceedings, a member of the Environmental Commission informed the court that ongoing excavation work by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) near Khayaban-e-Firdousi has been causing severe traffic congestion. The court noted that such gridlocks increase vehicle emissions, worsening air pollution.
Meanwhile, a legal advisor reported that Lahore’s sewerage system is being upgraded, and the court instructed officials to present a timeline for completion at the next hearing.
Next Hearing Set for November 7
The case has been adjourned until November 7, when the court will review the enforcement of the Sunday restrictions and the progress of the city’s infrastructure projects.
Environmental experts have welcomed the decision, saying that reducing commercial and vehicular activity, even one day a week, can significantly lower particulate pollution. However, they also stress that long-term improvement will depend on stricter industrial controls, cleaner fuel policies, and better urban planning.
