The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered authorities to seize vehicles that have not passed fitness inspections as part of a larger effort to combat smog in the region. This ruling comes amid rising pollution levels in Lahore, which has been listed as one of the world’s most polluted cities. In response, the district administration has imposed heavy fines on vehicles without fitness certificates and those that contribute to smog.
A crackdown on unfit vehicles has already led to fines and the seizure of thousands of vehicles. Between November 1 and 30, over 16,000 vehicles were inspected, with more than 2,000 fined and hundreds impounded for emitting smoke or lacking proper fitness certification. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution by addressing one of its major contributors, namely unregulated vehicles.
The LHC also noted the inadequate tree coverage in Lahore, which exacerbates the pollution problem, and called for increased greenery in line with WHO standards. The court has adjourned the case until December 3 for further hearings on the issue.
