LHC orders citywide crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles

EPA told to deploy officers at all entry, exit points

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles, directing authorities to ensure that no such vehicle is seen on the roads of Lahore over the next two weeks.

The court also barred polluting vehicles from entering the city through the motorway or any other routes amid worsening smog conditions.

Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing petitions on environmental pollution, remarked that emissions from vehicles plying between Lahore, Karachi, and interior Sindh were major contributors to the city's deteriorating air quality.

He stressed that strict enforcement was also needed along GT Road and other intercity routes.

The court instructed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to widen its operations beyond central Lahore and deploy officers at all city entry and exit points.

The EPA was further directed to submit duty rosters to the court and maintain strict monitoring to ensure compliance.

Justice Karim observed that had previous court directives been fully implemented, Lahore's pollution crisis would not have escalated to this extent.

During the proceedings, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) submitted a report stating that Phase One of its development works had been completed and funds for road restoration had already been transferred to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA).

A law officer also pointed out that even inside the courtroom, the Air Quality Index (AQI) had surpassed 190, urging the installation of air purifiers within the premises.

After reviewing the reports, the court adjourned further hearings until Monday.