Lawyer Uses 3-Year Old “Child Activist” to Complain About Smog in Lahore High Court

In an unusual move, a lawyer used a three-year-old girl, Amal Sekhera, to complain about air pollution to the Lahore High Court (LHC).

The petition argues that the government is failing in its duty to protect the right to a clean environment, as outlined in Article 99-A of the Constitution. Amal’s lawyer highlighted that “she seeks justice not only for herself but also for future generations impacted by deteriorating air quality.”

The petition further requests that the court compel the Punjab government to enforce measures against vehicles emitting harmful pollutants.

During the hearing, Justice Javed Hassan questioned the lawyer on whether a minor could approach the court. The lawyer clarified that any affected Pakistani citizen, regardless of age, has the right to file a petition. Justice Hassan then issued notices to the Secretary of Environment and other relevant officials, demanding their response.

In response to the worsening smog, the Punjab government recently ordered school closures in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan until November 17. Half of the staff in government and private offices will work remotely, while schools plan to hold online classes for students.