LAHORE – The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in Lahore has shut down two buses from Punjab University over smoke emission, following an order from the Lahore High Court.
A spokesperson from the department said the action was taken in compliance with the court’s directive. The buses were found to be emitting harmful pollutants, and the university’s staff failed to present a valid environmental fitness certificate for the vehicles.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Environmental Protection Act against the two buses.
Last month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had previously instructed the authorities to take action against vehicles that violate environmental standards by releasing smoke.
During the court hearing, Justice Shahid Karim remarked that dozens of vehicles emitting smoke were visible on the streets, urging authorities to take stricter measures to control pollution in Punjab.
The petitioner’s lawyer also raised concerns about the cutting of trees in Ghalib Market Park to build tennis courts. Justice Shahid Karim questioned the justification for cutting trees and stated that such construction should not be allowed in public parks.
As a result, the court ordered a halt to construction in Ghalib Market Park and directed the Director General of the Lahore Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to ensure compliance with the court’s ruling.
