LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered a complete ban on all commercial activities in Lahore on Sundays as part of efforts to combat smog and environmental pollution.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the directive while hearing petitions related to air pollution and smog control.

During the proceedings, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Musa Raza presented a notification ordering the closure of markets by 10 p.m., including restaurants, in line with the court’s earlier instructions.

Justice Karim remarked that issuing notifications alone was not sufficient — strict implementation was necessary to achieve the objective of reducing smog, which is worsening due to rising pollution levels.

The Environmental Commission’s representative informed the court that ongoing excavation work by WASA near Khayaban-e-Firdousi was causing severe traffic congestion. In response, WASA’s Legal Advisor Irfan Akram stated that the city’s sewerage system was being upgraded. The court instructed WASA to submit a timeline of all ongoing projects at the next hearing.

The court further directed that marriage halls must close by 10 p.m. and ordered strict enforcement of this restriction.

The LHC also directed that a Director-level officer from the Environment Department appear at every hearing and submit compliance reports. The hearing was adjourned until November 7.