LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday directed the Punjab Transport Department to formulate SOPs for the registration of motorcycle rickshaws and ensure that authorized dealers register every unit sold.

Justice Shahid Karim was hearing petitions related to smog and other environmental issues.

During the proceedings, the judge observed that the licenses of motorcycle-rickshaw manufacturers should be revoked, if they fail to comply within three months.

The judge expressed displeasure at the transport department for not issuing proper letters to the manufacturers and instructed that the letters include a reference to the court proceedings.

The judge said it appeared that the transport department wrote a “love letter” to the rickshaw manufacturers.

Justice Karim directed that motorcycle rickshaw manufacturers must submit a detailed report of their authorized dealers to the transport department.

The judge declared that the transport department was responsible for law enforcement, not for making compromises.

He said the authorized dealers of rickshaws must ensure that buyers obtain a fitness certificate within 15 to 20 days of purchase.

The judge ordered that if fitness certificates were not obtained within a deadline of one month, the production of all motorcycle rickshaws should be halted.

The judge warned the authorities that the matter cannot be handled with leniency.

Expressing concern over rising temperatures, Justice Karim noted that this month the mercury could exceed 40 degrees Celsius. He said Lahore had turned into a jungle of concrete. The judge stated that solar panels had helped somewhat in reducing the heat.

He suggested that tourist spots in Lahore should be identified and that people be encouraged to walk on those roads for a day or two every week.

The judge would resume further hearing on the petitions on May 2.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025