LHC orders schools to provide pick, drop services to students

LAHORE: In a bid to contain the rising smog threat in the province, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has placed an order to schools to provide pick-and-drop services for schoolchildren after the winter holiday.

This order has been given by the High Court Judge, Justice Shahid Karim, so children remain risk-free in light of worsening air quality.

As put forth by the judgment, schools are required to provide students with transportation, or otherwise, will face strict  consequence of having them sealed.

The court has also warned schools against issuing written disclaimers that absolve them of responsibility for students’ transportation.

Furthermore, the Punjab government has informed the court about the measures being taken to address the smog issue, including the arrest of individuals involved in stubble burning.

In addition to the court’s directives, the Punjab government has relaxed smog restrictions, allowing construction work to resume in four districts, including Lahore. This decision comes after the construction work was halted due to the peak smog levels about 10 days ago, which caused difficulties for the people.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also issued a notification to resume outdoor activities, including the operation of shops, markets, and shopping plazas, amid a drop in smog levels across the province. Moreover, the Punjab government has announced the reopening of parks, zoos, playgrounds, and museums, allowing people to engage in outdoor activities once again.