The Lahore High Court (LHC) has hinted at the possibility of shutting down motorcycle rickshaw manufacturing companies across Punjab if they fail to get properly regulated within three months.

The direction was issued during the hearing of petitions related to smog remediation, presided over by Justice Shahid Karim.

During the hearing, Justice Shahid Karim expressed serious concern over the increasing pollution levels in Lahore, linking them to both unregulated traffic and poor urban planning. The court observed that the widespread use of motorcycle rickshaws is contributing significantly to air and noise pollution in the city.

Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Athar Waheed informed the court that a summary recommending a ban on motorcycle rickshaws had already been sent to the chief minister. He also revealed that 10 people lost their lives in a recent accident involving a motorcycle rickshaw. The CTO termed it a “crime” to allow such unregulated vehicles to operate on public roads.

In response, the court remarked that factories manufacturing unregulated rickshaws should be closed, adding that companies be given a three-month deadline to comply with safety and environmental standards. The court emphasized that “permission cannot be granted to such rickshaw factories unless they are regulated.”

The court also directed that a summary report on this matter be presented at the next hearing scheduled for April 25.

Protesters and PSL traffic concerns

Justice Shahid Karim also addressed ongoing traffic disruptions in Lahore, citing both protests on The Mall road and security arrangements for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches as major contributors.

In reference to the protesters occupying The Mall road, the court questioned the Punjab government’s inaction and asked, “What is the issue of the protesters sitting on The Mall road?” The judge instructed authorities to relocate the protesters to another location, stressing that “traffic disruptions caused by protests and matches increase pollution drastically — even a 10-minute traffic stop causes a significant rise in emissions.”

The government’s lawyer responded that negotiations were ongoing with the protesters.

Justice Karim further criticised the security arrangements for PSL matches, stating that while ensuring player safety is important, “closing down the entire city gives the impression that the country is unsafe.” He added, “It has been 10 years, but the situation hasn’t improved.”

Broader smog concerns

The court also expressed concern over the broader environmental crisis, warning that “the intensity of the heatwave is expected to increase in the coming days.” Officers from the Environment Department and other relevant agencies were also present during the hearing.

Justice Karim called for legislative measures to support enforcement efforts, including digital ticketing for traffic fines and stricter actions against beggars and street encroachments.