The Lahore High Court has directed police across Punjab to register cases against individuals involved in the illegal dumping of waste, as part of ongoing efforts to address environmental pollution and smog-related issues.
The order was issued by Justice Shahid Karim while hearing a series of petitions concerning smog and environmental protection.
During the proceedings, Justice Karim directed the deputy commissioner of Lahore to install signboards at locations that are not designated waste disposal sites to discourage unlawful dumping.
The judge also expressed displeasure over the dumping of garbage at an unauthorized site by a contractor associated with the Paragon City housing scheme.
He instructed a provincial law officer to ensure that police summon the contractor and warn him against repeating such violations.
The law officer informed the court that FIRs had previously been registered against the same contractor for similar offenses.
The court further sought a report from the Director General of Rescue 1122 regarding the burning of waste within the housing scheme, an activity that contributes significantly to air pollution and smog.
Justice Karim ordered all station house officers (SHOs) across Punjab to register FIRs against those involved in illegal waste dumping. A deputy director of the provincial environment department also submitted a report detailing action taken against the housing society contractor for unlawful waste disposal.
In addition, the court restrained the cantonment board from using the disputed site for waste dumping and emphasized the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The hearing was adjourned until June 11, with the court seeking further progress reports on compliance with its directives.