The Lahore High Court (LHC) expressed strong displeasure over the Punjab government's decision to change market opening timings to 10 a.m., suggesting the influence of pressure groups and mafias behind the move.
Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the significance of addressing smog-related issues and questioned how the timings were changed without proper reporting.
The court directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to formulate a policy for roadside cart vendors, highlighting their impact on traffic flow. The LDA lawyer assured the court that steps were being taken to allocate separate spaces for carts.
During the hearing, the Advocate General Punjab stated that vehicle fitness inspection points were being set up, with plans to implement fitness certificate tags for vehicles.
Justice Karim remarked that motorcycles and small loaders should also be checked rigorously, ensuring Safe City cameras can verify compliance.
The hearing was adjourned until next Friday, with the court seeking comprehensive reports from relevant departments on smog prevention efforts.
