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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
