Schools to close on Dec 23, Punjab govt informs LHC

The Punjab government will close schools for winters vacations from December 23 to January 4 as per an undertaking submitted by the provincial government to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday.

LHC Justice Shahid Karim directed the government lawyer to produce a notification to the effect in the court on Dec 21.

Justice Karim was hearing multiple petitions pertaining to air pollution across Punjab, especially the provincial capital. The court was also seized with a plea concerning depleting groundwater resources in Lahore.

Sheraz Zaka, a counsel representing petitioners, apprised the bench of the harmful effects of smog. He said the government had to take measures on war-footing to save the environment for future generations.

Read 'We thought he had Covid but it was smog': Life in polluted Lahore

The air quality index has reached a dangerous level, he said referring to the toxic smog that envelopes Lahore throughout the winter season.

In earlier proceedings, Justice Karim had directed the motorway police not to compromise on M-Tag and ensure complete implementation with the LHC order.

Justice Karim had also imposed a fine of Rs2,000 on drivers who do not have a valid licence. The LHC had also ordered a fine of Rs2,000 for violating the one-way rule.