LAHORE: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider has taken action to ensure shops in the city close at 10pm by forming 26 teams.

Teams sealed 72 shops across various markets in the city and imposed a Rs160,000 fine on shops that violated the closure orders.

These teams will inspect different markets throughout the city to enforce the shop closure orders.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General Zeeshan Nasrullah Ranjha oversaw the market situation in Raiwind, while the Model Town assistant commissioner (AC) sealed 28 shops. The Cantonment AC sealed 23 shops in DHA phase-III and VI, as well as Bedian Road. Warnings were issued to shopkeepers in DHA-B, III, and X.

The City AC visited The Mall and imposed fines on shopkeepers found in violation of the closure time.Three weeks ago, the Lahore High Court also expressed its disappointment over the failure of the DC to ensure the market’s closure at 10pm.

The environment department officials and members of the Environmental Commission submitted a report on the implementation of the court’s previous orders.

The commission’s members pointed out that the markets were not being closed on time despite notifications from the DC’s office.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2023