The Lahore High Court, responding to the escalating smog crisis, has mandated the Punjab government, under the direction of Justice Shahid Waheed, to shut down all schools and colleges every Saturday throughout the province. This order was issued during a hearing on petitions related to the government’s efforts to address air pollution, which poses significant health risks to the public.

Justice Shahid Waheed, in reaction to the Lahore commissioner’s failure to control smog, has instructed the formulation of a policy for the implementation of a work-from-home protocol for two days a week.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the efforts of deputy commissioners in Sheikhupura, Jhang, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Nankana, and Bahawalnagar, Justice Karim has mandated their immediate removal due to their inability to control the smog exacerbated by extensive crop residue burning. Additionally, Justice Karim has criticized the burning of crop residuals as disappointing.

The caretaker Punjab government, responding to the dangerous levels of air pollution, had previously declared a four-day holiday for schools and implemented smart lockdown restrictions in eight districts. However, the lockdown was lifted after rain partially cleared the atmosphere in several cities of Punjab last Friday.