In a decisive ruling on Friday, the Lahore High Court directed the Punjab government to launch a rigorous campaign targeting vehicles that emit excessive smoke, following the city’s worsening air-quality crisis. The court noted that too many smoky vehicles remain on Lahore’s roads, especially along major transport routes, and ordered authorities to impose strict enforcement over the next two to three weeks.
Chief Justice Shahid Karim, hearing several petitions on smog and vehicle emissions, instructed the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to collaborate with police at inter-city bus terminals and motorway toll plazas to inspect and seize smoke-emitting vehicles. He also ordered large-scale banners across the city warning commuters that impoundment awaits. Officials were told to hold a joint meeting of transport, environment, and traffic departments to map out a coordinated response.
The city’s air-quality index remains dangerously high, and Lahore ranks among the worst in the world for pollution. With smog layers thickening and visibility dropping, heavy vehicles traveling between Lahore and Karachi were singled out as key polluters. Environmental authorities admitted that over 60 tons of old tyres — a major source of black smoke — were already seized from plants in southern Punjab.
While the court emphasised it was aiding the government rather than penalising it, the message was clear: persistent inaction is no longer acceptable. With smog expected to deepen and public health at risk, this crackdown marks a critical test of the provincial government’s willingness to enforce clean-air regulations.
