LHC Orders Closure of Markets and Restaurants in Lahore by 10 PM

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued directives for the closure of all businesses (markets and restaurants) in Lahore by 10:00 pm daily as part of measures to tackle the escalating smog levels in the city.

Justice Shahid Karim, presiding over a set of environment-related petitions, instructed authorities to enforce the early closure of markets, restaurants, and other establishments in Lahore. The LHC specifically called upon the CCPO Lahore and the Punjab chief secretary to ensure the strict implementation of these court orders. Additionally, the Punjab government was directed to issue a notification outlining a two-day work-from-home policy for banks and offices.

Despite governmental efforts to mitigate toxic smog in Lahore, the city retained its unenviable position on Tuesday as the world’s most polluted city, registering an air quality index (AQI) of 353 at around 1 pm, according to the Swiss group IQAir.

An AQI ranging from 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while a rating between 201 to 300 is deemed more harmful, and anything above 300 is categorized as extremely hazardous. The winter season exacerbates air pollution, causing harmful particles to descend, resulting in the formation of a layer of pollutants, including significant amounts of carbon and smoke.

Responding to the worsening smog situation, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the extended closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutes for an additional two days—Friday and Saturday—in 10 districts of Punjab. This decision applies to Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha, and Sahiwal divisions.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Naqvi revealed plans to install air-purifying towers in Lahore and provide 10,000 students with electric motorbikes at a subsidized rate.

Read more: Petrol Prices in Pakistan Expected May See Significant Reduction From Next Fortnight.

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