Three-year-old girl approaches LHC over air pollution

The court has issued notices to Punjab’s environment secretary and other officials after the petition was filed.

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A three-year-old girl has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, challenging the government's failure to control air pollution.

The petition, filed by Amal Sekhera through her lawyer, states that the petitioner is seeking justice not only for herself but also for her friends, classmates, and future generations.

The petitioner maintained that the young children and the elderly are severely affected by air pollution. Due to the thick smog, it has been decided to keep children indoors.

"Under Article 99-A of the Constitution, the government is obligated to provide citizens with a clean and healthy environment," the petition stated.

It further claims that the Punjab government has failed to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. 

The petitioner has urged the court to direct the Punjab government to take action against vehicles emitting harmful smoke.

The court inquired whether a three-year-old could file a case in the High Court. In response, the lawyer clarified that any Pakistani citizen, regardless of age, who is affected by governmental actions, has the right to approach the court. Justice Javed Hassan issued notices to the Secretary of Environment and other relevant officials, asking for a response.

Punjab schools closed till November 17 amid smog crisis

Earlier, the Punjab government ordered the closure of all schools (primary to 12th grade) until November 17.

Senior Punjab minister announced, high schools in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan have been closed until November 17. Additionally, 50% of staff in government and private offices will work remotely, and all official meetings will be held online.

Due to increasing smog levels in Punjab, half of the staff at both government and private offices will work from home, while several schools have been closed in affected cities.Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb further said that schools will arrange online classes for students during this period.

Addressing a press conference, Maryam Aurangzeb noted that the burning of crop residue is contributing significantly to the smog. While there is a ban on plastic bags, violations continue to occur.

She mentioned that despite schools being closed for primary-level students, parents are taking children to shopping malls and entertainment areas. She also announced that the use of masks would now be mandatory.

Maryam Aurangzeb explained that winds from India's Rajasthan and other regions have affected Multan and Gujranwala. The Air Quality Index in Lahore was recorded above 1,000 today, and the intensity of the smog is expected to continue for the next 10 days.