Lahore High Court Questions Change in Market Timings in Smog Case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) expressed dissatisfaction over changing market closing hours to 10 PM without submitting a report to the court, during a hearing on a smog mitigation case. Justice Shahid Karim was presiding over petitions filed by citizens, including Haroon Farooq.

During the hearing, Justice Karim asked Punjab’s Advocate General why the market timings were altered without court approval. The Advocate General replied that he would investigate the matter, adding, “Today, Lahore’s sunlight matches that of Islamabad.”

Justice Karim warned against complacency, stating, “We must not waste this opportunity; smog could return. Many pressure groups and mafias seem to be involved in such decisions.”

The court emphasized the importance of addressing smog and directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to devise a policy for street vendors, ensuring they operate without disrupting traffic. “The goal is to create facilities for vendors, not to harass them,” the Advocate General clarified.

The court also instructed authorities to implement vehicle fitness tags visible to Safe City cameras, particularly targeting motorcycles and small loaders, which contribute significantly to pollution. Hearing on the case was adjourned until next Friday, with further updates awaited.