Plea filed against fireworks in PSL final

LAHORE:

A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking action against the use of chemical fireworks during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 final held at Gaddafi Stadium.

The petition, filed by Ashba Kamran, names the Punjab government and other relevant authorities as respondents. It contends that the use of chemical fireworks during the final on May 3, 2026 violated citizens' fundamental rights under Article 9 of the Constitution.

The petitioner argued that while anti-smog restrictions are being enforced on the public, including farmers, permitting fireworks during a high-profile sporting event reflects discriminatory treatment and weak enforcement of environmental regulations.

It was further submitted that Lahore already faces severe air pollution challenges and that the Environmental Protection Department failed to take adequate measures to prevent environmental harm during the event.

The petition urged the court to impose an environmental penalty equivalent to 25 per cent of PSL revenue on the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

It also requested that the amount be deposited into the Punjab Green Fund to support environmental protection initiatives.