Lahore High Court orders crackdown on smog sources and private school transportation

In a significant move to combat smog, the Lahore High Court Friday ordered the demolition of oil manufacturing plants that burn tyres and has directed the Punjab government to formulate a bus policy for private schools, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Justice Shahid Karim, presiding over the smog remediation case, received an implementation report from members of the Environmental Commission. Deputy Attorney General Asad Ali Bajwa, Deputy Director of Environment Ali Ijaz, and other officials were present during the hearing.

Justice Shahid Karim instructed that private educational institutions must develop a policy requiring students to use school buses instead of personal vehicles. He emphasized that the Education Department should not renew the registration of schools failing to comply with this directive.

The court also ordered continued action against factories emitting smoke, stressing that the upcoming smog season necessitates strict measures against polluting industries without any discrimination.

Justice Karim further highlighted the challenges citizens face due to inadequate arrangements and called for the installation of awareness boards on the under-construction Canal Road.

He also expressed concerns about the dilapidated state of beautification efforts at underpasses despite significant expenditures and directed an inquiry into the matter by the DGLDA. The court has scheduled the next hearing for Friday.