Lahore Smog: 3 Holidays for Schools and 2 Days Work-From-Home for Offices Likely

In a bid to address Lahore’s persistent smog crisis, the Lahore High Court is considering measures that would include two work-from-home days, school closures on Fridays and Saturdays, and a citywide halt to commercial activities on Sundays.

Justice Shahid Karim discussed the proposal during a session focused on environmental protection, urging the city’s environmental commission to meet and decide on effective anti-smog actions.

Justice Karim referenced last year’s successful measures, which included similar strategies, and highlighted the importance of reintroducing these practices given the ongoing smog issues. Reports from various departments were reviewed, and the court ordered an increased focus on curbing pollution from heavy vehicles, particularly buses, by enhancing checks at terminals and enforcing vehicle fitness standards on highways.

The court raised concerns about the existing “Green Lockdown” policy, warning it may simply displace pollution rather than reduce it, calling for more impactful solutions. Additionally, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) updated the court on its inquiry into maintenance responsibilities for Lahore’s underpasses, assigning the task to the Punjab Highway Authority to ensure upkeep and safeguard against the theft of infrastructure elements like LED lights.

This latest court direction comes amid worsening air quality levels in Lahore, pushing authorities to ramp up their response in hopes of minimizing public health risks and reducing pollution.