Lahore High Court Orders Province-Wide Campaign Against Polluting Vehicles
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a significant directive to the Punjab government, urging it to initiate a comprehensive province-wide campaign targeting smoke-emitting vehicles. This move comes in response to the deteriorating air quality and increasing smog levels across Punjab, which have become a pressing public health concern.
During a hearing on Friday, Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action against environmental pollution. He directed authorities to conduct a strict campaign lasting at least two to three weeks, with a particular focus on long-distance vehicles traveling from Lahore to Karachi. These vehicles, according to the court, are major contributors to the city’s worsening air quality.
Representatives from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Parks and Horticultural Authority (PHA), and other relevant departments appeared before the court. However, Justice Karim expressed disappointment over the absence of a director-level EPA officer, despite prior instructions. The court also ordered the EPA to place warning banners across Lahore, indicating that smoke-emitting vehicles would be impounded if found violating regulations. An EPA official confirmed that such warnings had already been displayed in several parts of the city.
Strengthening Enforcement Measures
In addition to the banner initiative, the court instructed the EPA to station officers alongside police personnel at intercity bus terminals and motorway toll plazas. These teams would inspect vehicles and conduct strict checks along the GT Road from Lahore to Multan. Justice Karim remarked that if previous court orders had been implemented effectively, Lahore’s air quality would have improved significantly by now. He urged authorities to hold accountable anyone contributing to pollution.
The court also directed the Punjab government’s law officer to convene a joint meeting involving the environment department, the chief traffic officer, and the transport department. The purpose of this meeting is to coordinate enforcement efforts and ensure a unified approach to tackling the environmental crisis.
Additional Environmental Concerns
During the hearing, an EPA representative reported that approximately 60 tons of old tyres had been confiscated from industrial units in South Punjab and other areas as part of the ongoing anti-pollution drive. This measure is part of broader efforts to reduce waste and prevent further environmental degradation.
Lahore has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities globally in recent weeks. According to data from the global air quality tracker IQAir, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 177 on Friday—classified as ‘unhealthy’ and the fifth worst in the world. This alarming figure highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate intervention.
Addressing Past Failures
Earlier this week, the LHC had raised concerns about the administration’s inadequate response to the smog crisis. The court questioned the effectiveness of anti-smog guns and the continued cutting of trees, which exacerbate the problem. Justice Karim clarified that the court’s actions were not aimed at penalizing officials but rather at helping the government address the environmental emergency more effectively.
Conclusion
The Lahore High Court’s latest directives underscore the critical need for coordinated and sustained efforts to combat air pollution in Punjab. With the city’s air quality reaching dangerous levels, the judiciary is playing a pivotal role in pushing for stricter enforcement measures and holding authorities accountable. As the campaign unfolds, its success will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, and the public. The ultimate goal remains clear: to improve air quality and protect the health of Lahore’s residents.