The court ordered a fine of Rs1.5 million to be levied against a brick kiln near Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura, for violating emissions rules.
Lahore High Court Orders Midnight Closure of Restaurants. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed authorities to ensure all restaurants close by midnight, emphasizing the need to uphold environmental protections and combat climate change.
During a hearing on Friday, Justice Shahid Karim underscored the seriousness of climate change, warning that it should not be overlooked. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Director General’s earlier remarks on tree removal.
Justice Karim indicated that the court will soon issue a formal order regarding punitive action against individuals or institutions responsible for illegal tree cutting. He further suggested establishing a Miyawaki-style forest in Lahore’s Johar Town to support urban reforestation.
The hearing was part of ongoing proceedings related to anti-smog efforts. A representative of the Environmental Commission presented a report confirming that tree plantation initiatives are set to begin across 760 colleges in Punjab.
When asked about the situation at MAO College, the representative assured the court that the premises had been cleaned up. However, the judge pressed for details on the DG PHA’s controversial statements about tree cutting. PHA’s lawyer responded that the comments were old and no recent statement had been made.
Justice Karim announced that any action along Lahore’s canal—which has been designated a heritage site by the Supreme Court—must now receive court approval, and no trees will be removed without prior authorization.
He also raised concerns about the delayed launch of a smog monitoring machine, to which the public prosecutor responded that the event had been postponed for unspecified reasons.
The court ordered a fine of Rs1.5 million to be levied against a brick kiln near Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura, for violating emissions rules. Kiln owners across Sheikhupura were warned that any further breaches could result in the demolition of their facilities.
Additionally, the judge instructed the immediate transfer of the Environment Department officer in Sheikhupura and warned that strict action would be taken against environmental officers across Punjab in case of non-compliance.
The hearing was adjourned until July 28.
