(Owais Kayani) Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim has praised the Punjab government’s environmental improvement and smog elimination plan.
Justice Shahid Karim has said in the case related to smog prevention that all these measures are admirable and laudable, if this work continues with persistence and passion, it will have far-reaching positive results in Punjab, especially Lahore.
In the Lahore High Court, the Advocate General has said in a statement that for the permanent improvement of the environment and to get rid of smog, industries and factories must be removed from inside and around Lahore. Consideration has been started to transfer the industries from the surrounding area to another place, the process of obtaining the data of the industries in and around Lahore and their transfer has been started. There is a plan to shift industries from Pur Road to another place, the process of shifting industries has already started.
Advocate General Punjab presented immediate, medium and long-term policy material and policy record for environmental improvement, Justice Shahid Karim said that such practical measures are included which have never been done in Punjab before, details of annual development schemes for flood prevention. have also been presented, attention has been given to aspects such as solutions to water problems, availability of underground water, water supply for farming.
The decision of the Lahore High Court further states that the allocation of ample budget by the Punjab government for the elimination of environmental pollution and smog is commendable, electric buses will be operated in Lahore from March 2025, inspection of vehicle engines and engine health. System stations have been set up to issue certificates, steps are also underway to supply Eurofuel grade fuel, the court decision further said that Lahore Green Restoration Plan was presented in which the details of the number of trees and their increase are given. The process of identifying new places for tree planting in Punjab is going on, trees will be planted in the available places, the increase in the number of trees will help in environmental improvement. The court decision has said that trees around the districts of Punjab The project to build a ring is being implemented, along the river Ravi up to Shahdara will be afforested.
How can community engagement enhance the effectiveness of environmental initiatives in urban areas like Lahore?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Environmental Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Amina Malik. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve recently seen significant developments concerning environmental policies in Punjab, especially surrounding Lahore’s smog crisis. Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court has expressed commendation for the provincial government’s initiatives. What are your thoughts on these measures?
Dr. Malik: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed encouraging to see judicial figures like Justice Shahid Karim publicly support environmental initiatives. His recognition of the Punjab government’s plan to tackle smog signals a positive shift in governance and public awareness regarding environmental issues.
Editor: Justice Karim specifically highlighted the importance of persistence and passion in these efforts. In your experience, how crucial are ongoing commitment and public engagement in successfully implementing such environmental plans?
Dr. Malik: They are absolutely vital. Environmental policies can only be effective when they are not just initiated but also sustained over time. The community’s involvement and the government’s ongoing commitment can turn short-term projects into long-term solutions. Smog won’t vanish overnight; it requires continuous effort, monitoring, and adaptation of strategies to ensure that improvement is both impactful and lasting.
Editor: The Advocate General mentioned relocating industries as a key step towards improving air quality in Lahore. What challenges do you foresee in this process, and how can they be addressed?
Dr. Malik: Relocating industries is a major undertaking and comes with several challenges. Firstly, identifying which industries should be moved and securing suitable locations for them is essential. Additionally, there’s the matter of community impact—those working in these industries need to find alternative employment, and local economies can be affected too. To address these challenges, we must create comprehensive transition plans that involve stakeholders at every level—government, industries, communities, and environmental groups. Transparent communication and collaborations are crucial here.
Editor: That’s a profound insight. You touched on the community’s role. How can local citizens be engaged in these efforts to combat smog and promote sustainable practices?
Dr. Malik: Community engagement is key. Programs can be instituted to educate citizens about air quality, its health effects, and ways they can contribute to improvement—like reducing vehicle use or participating in tree planting initiatives. Establishing ’green ambassador’ programs in neighborhoods can empower residents to take initiative. Furthermore, leveraging social media for awareness campaigns can help mobilize public support for these policies.
Editor: The idea of grassroots movements influencing policy is intriguing. In your view, how well-prepared is Lahore to handle the long-term implications of climate change beyond just smog issues?
Dr. Malik: Lahore faces significant challenges from climate change—urban heat, flooding, and water scarcity among them. The city’s preparedness largely depends on proactive measures and policies that go beyond reactive smog plans. Integrating climate resilience into urban planning, investing in green infrastructure, and ensuring that public health systems can adapt are critical. While we’ve taken steps towards smog reduction, it’s essential not to lose sight of preparing for a broader array of climate impacts.
Editor: It seems approachability, persistence, and rigorous planning are essential for creating real change. what do you hope to see in the near future regarding Lahore’s environmental efforts?
Dr. Malik: I hope to see a more integrated policy that not only addresses smog but also encompasses other environmental challenges. This includes enhanced green spaces, better public transport systems to reduce emissions, and community-led initiatives for sustainability. Ideally, we would create a model for urban environmental management that could inspire other cities in Pakistan and beyond.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Malik. Your insights clarify the path forward for Lahore and demonstrate that while the road may be complex, it is navigable through collective effort and commitment.
Dr. Malik: My pleasure! Thank you for shedding light on this important issue.