LHC bans all commercial activities in Lahore on Sundays to curb smog

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered a complete ban on all commercial activities across Lahore every Sunday as part of efforts to control worsening smog and environmental pollution in the city.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the directive while hearing petitions related to smog prevention and environmental degradation. During the hearing, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Musa Raza presented the notification mandating market closures at 10pm and informed the court that restaurants have also been directed to shut by the same time.

Justice Karim remarked that issuing notifications alone was insufficient and that strict enforcement was essential to achieve the desired results. He stressed that the ban aims to mitigate the impact of rising pollution contributing to smog.

A member of the Environmental Commission informed the court that excavation by WASA near Khayaban-e-Firdousi was causing severe traffic congestion. WASA’s legal adviser, Irfan Akram, said the city’s sewerage system was being replaced, to which the court directed authorities to submit a project timeline at the next hearing.

The court also instructed that wedding halls strictly follow the 10pm closure rule and summoned a director-level official from the Environment Department at every hearing. The case was adjourned until November 7.