LHC orders Punjab govt to crack down on smoke-emitting vehicles

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered the Punjab government to launch a strict campaign against smoke-emitting vehicles to curb worsening air pollution and smog across the province.

Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing multiple petitions on environmental pollution, observed that such vehicles were visible in large numbers on city roads and must be dealt with firmly. He directed authorities to conduct the campaign for at least two to three weeks with strict enforcement.

The judge expressed particular concern over vehicles travelling between Lahore and Karachi, noting their contribution to pollution. Officials from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Parks and Horticultural Authority (PHA) and other departments were present during the proceedings.

Justice Karim showed displeasure over the absence of a director-level EPA officer despite earlier instructions. He ordered the agency to display banners across Lahore warning that smoke-emitting vehicles would be impounded and to station officers alongside police at intercity bus terminals and motorway toll plazas for vehicle inspections.