LAHORE/ ISLAMABAD: On Monday, Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court issued orders for the government to close all schools and colleges in Punjab on Saturdays, citing the failure of provincial authorities to effectively address the issue of smog.
The directives were given during a hearing on measures taken by the Punjab government to combat the dangerous levels of air pollution in recent days.
The judge criticized the Lahore commissioner for inadequately controlling smog and mandated the implementation of a two-day work-from-home policy. Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation in Sheikhupura, Jhang, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Nankana, and Bahawalnagar, Justice Karim ordered the immediate removal of deputy commissioners in these districts. The chief secretary of Punjab was instructed to issue a notification promptly for the transfer of the mentioned officers.
Additionally, the judge called for the removal of the director general of environment, expressing disappointment over videos depicting crop residual burning. He noted that the prevalent practice of shutting everything down through notifications often results in officers taking leave after government announcements.
Justice Karim highlighted the impact of vehicle exhaust on smog, emphasizing that a brief traffic stop can severely disrupt the entire city. He mentioned the construction of an underpass by the provincial government, expressing concern about the potential smog following the construction.
The Lahore Development Authority counsel informed the court about the swift construction of an underpass, but Justice Karim urged consideration of other matters as well. The judge directed the commission member to meet with the Punjab chief secretary and communicate the court’s orders.
The hearing was adjourned until Wednesday. Last week, the Punjab government had declared a public holiday on November 10 due to smog, closing various establishments. The lockdown was lifted after heavy rain improved air quality in parts of Punjab.
