Punjab proposes wedding ban to tackle Smog

The government of Punjab has submitted a new strategy for addressing smog to the Lahore High Court, which includes prohibiting weddings during the peak smog period as part of wider efforts to combat pollution.

The Advocate General of Punjab announced that starting next year, residents would not be allowed to hold weddings from October through December.

In a declaration to the court, the Advocate General mentioned that for the first time, the government has set aside a budget specifically for anti-smog programs.

The initiative aims to decrease pollution by imposing seasonal restrictions, such as limiting weddings, known for generating significant traffic and energy use, during the months with the poorest air quality.

The court praised the government, stating, "This administration has enacted measures superior to those of past governments."

The court also encouraged the expansion of the policy to additional districts and acknowledged the distribution of super seeders to farmers as a constructive approach to sustainable practices.

The judge remarked global standards, pointing out that shops in many countries close by 5 PM to lower emissions, unlike in Pakistan, where businesses remain open late into the evening.

The judge recommended that the government consider enforcing a one-dish restriction for weddings and reducing celebrations to one event instead of the current three.

The court postponed the hearing until November 15, urging the government to think about establishing a permanent smog policy.

Punjab is presently experiencing severe smog, with Lahore being identified as the most polluted city globally. Reports show that Lahore's air quality index (AQI) is roughly 74 times higher than the World Health Organization's suggested limit, averaging an alarming level of 588.