The Lahore High Court on Friday ordered authorities to impose a fine of Rs50,000 on restaurants not adhering to the government’s anti-smog measures.
It also instructed authorities to seal cafes violating the guidelines.
The directions came as several cities of Punjab, especially Lahore, remain blanketed with toxic smog after pollutants in the air quality spiralled with the start of cooler temperatures in November.
According to the Air Quality Index, the AQI in Lahore at 1pm Friday was recorded at 201, which falls under the category of very unhealthy. The main pollutant was PM2.5, which is a fine particulate matter that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, resulting in serious health issues.
Earlier, LHC’s Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing a set of environment-related petitions, had ordered the closure of all commercial activities in the provincial metropolis by 10pm every day of the week as a measure to control smog.
As the proceedings commenced, the judge directed authorities to seal cafes in Lahore’s Johar Town for violating the orders. He also directed the administration to fine restaurants not adhering to the anti-smog measures.
