Imagine a city shrouded in a thick, toxic haze, its residents struggling to breathe. This is the grim reality Lahore faces every winter, and the Lahore High Court (LHC) is taking drastic measures to combat it. In a bold move, the court has proposed a complete ban on commercial activities every Sunday, aiming to curb the worsening smog that chokes the city. But here's where it gets controversial—will shutting down businesses one day a week really make a difference, or is it just a band-aid solution? Let’s dive into the details.
On Tuesday, the LHC didn’t stop at the Sunday ban. It also reiterated the need for strict enforcement of the 2023 notification that mandates markets to close by 10 p.m. and restaurants by 11 p.m. Justice Shahid Karim, hearing petitions filed by concerned citizens like Haroon Farooq, expressed frustration over the lack of implementation. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Mohsin Raza assured the court that the timings were still in effect, but the court wasn’t convinced. It questioned why the rules weren’t being followed and hinted that stronger measures might be needed.
And this is the part most people miss—the court suggested that the Sunday ban could last for at least a month, or even two, to effectively control pollution levels. It also directed wedding halls to close by 10 p.m. and noted ongoing violations of the one-dish rule, though it acknowledged this wasn’t directly tied to environmental issues. Additionally, the court emphasized that city traffic must flow uninterrupted, ordering the DC Lahore to submit a detailed compliance report.
The LHC didn’t spare WASA either. It voiced concern over the water utility’s seemingly never-ending construction projects, which are not only causing road accidents but also contributing to dust pollution. The court demanded full details of all WASA projects, including their contractual completion timelines. It also instructed the Environment Department to impose fines on departments like WASA and LDA for violations that worsen pollution. By Friday, the department must submit a report outlining the penalties imposed on each entity.
Here’s the kicker: While these measures aim to tackle smog, they’ve sparked debates. Some argue that shutting down businesses on Sundays could hurt the economy, while others believe it’s a necessary sacrifice for cleaner air. What do you think? Is this a step in the right direction, or are there better ways to combat pollution? The hearing has been adjourned until November 7, but the conversation is far from over. Let’s keep the dialogue going—share your thoughts in the comments below!
