The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the closure of all markets at 8:00 PM daily and a complete closure on Sundays in an effort to curb the severe smog plaguing the city.

Justice Shahid Karim, while issuing the order, remarked that despite repeated hearings and calls for action, effective measures to control smog remain lacking. He stated a desire to avoid issuing orders that are impossible to implement.

The ruling follows the presentation of performance reports from various government departments regarding smog mitigation efforts before Justice Karim. The court directed authorities to restrict entry of vehicles onto motorways and Ring Road, and to completely ban the entry of trucks and trailers into the city.

The court highlighted trucks and trailers as major contributors to smog and environmental pollution. It ordered the deployment of police officers to control heavy traffic. Justice Karim expressed frustration, noting that the court has repeatedly urged the government to take action on smog control at every hearing.

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The court emphasized that heavy vehicle emissions are the primary cause of pollution and questioned the effectiveness of current measures. The judge questioned why fines of Rs50,000 for buses are not sufficient to improve compliance and how vehicles without fitness certificates are allowed on the roads. The court’s orders are intended to significantly reduce traffic and associated pollution in an attempt to alleviate the severe smog crisis.