LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dir­ected the caretaker Pun­jab government to notify the Saturday closure of pub­lic schools, colleges and universities and all other educational institut­ions till the end of January 2024, due to smog.

“The government shall take measures for declaring two days in a week as work from home in the private sector in the province of Punjab,” stated Justice Shahid Karim in a written order issued on Monday on a set of environment-related petitions.

A law officer presented a notification issued by the provincial secretary for primary and secondary healthcare regarding the closure of educational institutions.

The judge observed that such a notification with regard to smog could not be issued under the provisions of the Punjab Infec­tious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act, 2020 and the orders passed in this regard by the Lahore deputy commissioner office last year ought to have been taken into consideration. He noted that the Punjab National Calami­ties (Prevention and Relief) Act, 1958 was the proper law under which such a notification ought to be passed in order to place a restriction on public movement and to close schools and colleges.

However, the judge made it clear that any such notification, either by the health secretary or Lahore DC office, shall be issued in consultation with the members of a judicial commission constituted by the court.

Industrial units

The commission members apprised the court that industrial units, which had been sealed for violations, were found functional again on inspe­ction.

The court ordered the environment protection department to file reports regarding the prosecution of such industrial units.

A counsel for LDA presented a report on measures taken to improve environment.

Parks and Horti­culture Authority also presented minutes of its meeting regarding green­­belts and urban forestation.

The judge expected that the Hafizabad, Gujra­nwala and Sheikhu­pura DCs will follow court directions and take action in line with the recommendations of the judicial commission.

The proceedings would re­­sume on Nov 22.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...