Authorities in Lahore have sealed dozens of shops, restaurants, and wedding halls. The enforcement comes as part of a strict new rule requiring markets to close by 8 p.m. daily. This measure aims to reduce smog, which has heavily impacted the city.
Officials sealed 75 shops and several wedding halls across Lahore. These businesses stayed open past the mandated closing time. Additionally, authorities shut down 14 restaurants for violating the ban on outdoor dining.
Breakdown of Sealed Businesses by Tehsil
In Shalimar Tehsil, 9 shops and 3 restaurants were sealed. In City Tehsil, officials closed 4 shops for staying open past designated hours.
Ravi Tehsil saw 12 shops sealed for non-compliance. In Raiwind Tehsil, officials shut down 4 restaurants and 4 shops. Cantonment Tehsil faced closures of 5 shops and 3 restaurants, while Saddar Tehsil had 5 shops sealed for violating the new rules.
Lahore High Court Orders 8 P.M. Market Closures
This enforcement follows a Lahore High Court (LHC) order. The court mandated that all markets in Lahore close by 8 p.m. daily and stay closed on Sundays. The directive is part of a broader effort to control severe smog in the city.
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Justice Karim Criticizes Lack of Action on Smog
Justice Shahid Karim, who issued the order, expressed frustration over the lack of concrete measures against smog. Despite multiple hearings and recommendations, he said there had been little action. Justice Karim emphasized the need for effective and realistic solutions to the smog crisis.
Further Restrictions on Vehicle Access
The court also ordered restrictions on vehicles entering certain roads. Authorities will limit access to motorways and the Ring Road to reduce pollution. The court banned trucks and trailers from entering the city altogether to cut down on emissions.
Business Owners Face Impact of New Restrictions
The new rules affect businesses across Lahore. Shop owners, restaurant operators, and wedding hall managers must now close earlier. These restrictions on evening hours and outdoor dining aim to reduce both emissions and public gatherings during peak smog season.
As Lahore faces its worst smog season yet, the strict enforcement shows the severity of the situation. These steps aim to reduce air pollution in the city. While the new rules impact daily life, officials hope they will lead to cleaner air and better health for Lahore’s residents.
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