LHC advises Punjab govt to impose lockdown in Lahore to control smog

LAHORE: Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim on Wednesday advised the Punjab government to impose a complete lockdown in the provincial capital for a week to control smog.

Justice Karim observed that the air quality index had gone up to dangerous levels which made Lahore the most polluted city in the world.

The court also observed that desperate time demands desperate measures, suggesting that a health emergency be imposed in Lahore.

Read more: LHC directs Punjab govt to release funds to Lahore mayor to address smog situation

Justice Karim said if the Punjab government went for complete lockdown for the next week, the private offices, industrial establishments and schools shall remain closed.

Sheraz Zaka advocate represented the petitioners and argued that the provincial government had not been performing its statutory obligations. He pointed out that the commissioner must close down the factories which were causing air pollution and smog. He’s also asking the court to direct the city officials to take strict action against individuals involved in crop burning.

Meanwhile, the judicial water commission in its report told the court that notices had been issued to 47 sugar mills in Punjab for causing air pollution and not installing the water treatment plants.

Justice Karim appreciated the efforts of Lahore chief traffic officer for controlling traffic congestion and allowing free flow of traffic.

The court adjourned the hearing for next week.

Read more: LHC asks for plan to maintain traffic in Lahore during smog

In another interconnected case, Justice Karim stopped police from raiding and interfering in the business of oil depots on the pretext of allegedly being involved in selling adulterated oil products of low quality which, according to the petitioner, were contributing to air pollution.

Justice Karim observed that under Pakistan petroleum blending marketing retailing rules 1971 it was the jurisdiction of direct oil operations, not of the police, to take action against sellers of low-quality oil products.

Petitioner Bilal Shahid through his counsel Advocate Sheraz Zaka argued that the police is abusing its powers and does not have the jurisdiction to conduct raids nor any authority to seal the premises. He pleaded that the petitioner had no objection if director oil operations could use his expertise and conduct sampling tests.

Justice Karim disposed of the petition and restrained police from interfering in the business activities of the petitioner.