The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed that no bus in Lahore or any part of Punjab will be allowed to operate without a valid fitness certificate, as part of new measures to combat worsening smog across the province.
In a detailed three-page written order, Justice Shahid Karim issued the directives while hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others regarding the government’s anti-smog efforts.
The Punjab Environment Department informed the court that environmental enforcement teams have been deployed at Lahore’s entry and exit points to take action against smoke-emitting vehicles. The department assured that unfit public transport vehicles will not be allowed to leave any terminal without meeting the required fitness standards.
In another significant move, the court instructed authorities to establish special checkpoints along motorways to monitor and penalize vehicles releasing excessive smoke.
The LHC also directed that staff be posted at construction sites to ensure compliance with anti-smog SOPs and proper dust control. Officials further briefed the court that the Deputy Commissioner has begun enforcing nighttime closures for markets and restaurants to reduce pollution levels.
The hearing was adjourned to the next date, with the court issuing its written order for the November 7 proceedings.