LAHORE: Restraining the Punjab government from distributing electric and petrol-run motorcycles among students, the Lahore High Court remarked that the authorities concerned should promote electric buses instead.

Justice Shahid Karim was hearing multiple identical petitions related to combating smog and other environmental hazards.

An additional advocate general presented before the court the provincial government’s policy regarding motorcycles and stated that 1,000 electric and 19,000 petrol-run bikes would be distributed among students in Punjab.

However, the judge rejected the report and directed that the motorcycles should not be distributed until a new policy was formulated.

Info minister says policy-making govt’s exclusive domain; no ‘dictation’ needed

The judge remarked that smog and environmental pollution had already increased significantly.

“Providing buses to schools and colleges will reduce traffic congestion,” he observed.

Justice Karim remarked that the students, if provided motorcycles, would do wheelie on roads or flock around girls’ colleges.

The judge emphasised that the students should be encouraged to use public transport, instead of riding motorbikes.

The judge stayed the draw for the distribution of motorbikes and directed the government to come up with a new policy on May 13.

Separately, the judge also prohibited the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) from using clean water, directing them to utilise rainwater reserves instead.

The judge further ordered strict action against those extracting sand from riverbeds using heavy machinery.

Justice Karim also expressed displeasure over illuminations on the city canal and summoned a report from the PHA on lighting expenses. He directed the authority to explain the purpose of the colourful lights installed on the canal. “Instead of colourful lights, trees could be planted along the canal,” the judge remarked.

He also summoned a report from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) about felling of trees outside its own office.

The judge adjourned the hearing till Monday.

Meanwhile, reacting to the LHC order, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the policy-making was the mandate of the executive and it did not need dictation from any other quarter.

Speaking at a press conference following the LHC’s restraining order, the minister said it was shocking to learn that the government needed to seek an advice before installing lights on the canal road.

“Now we know that the students should not be given bikes as they would do wheelie and make girls feel unsafe,” she said sarcastically.

She said the court’s justification for restraining the government from distributing motorbikes among the students was irrational, adding that no one should interfere in the policy matters of the government.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2024