The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday instructed school administrations to arrange pick-and-drop services for students after the winter break due to the rising threat of smog. The directive was issued by Justice Shahid Karim during a hearing on petitions concerning smog prevention.
The court emphasized that students must use school-arranged transport for their commute, warning that schools failing to comply would face closure. The LHC also prohibited schools from issuing written disclaimers that would absolve them of responsibility for student transportation.
In addition, Justice Karim ordered transport authorities to implement a vehicle fitness policy within 15 days. The policy will require vehicles to undergo inspections every three months, and fitness certificates must be issued by the transport department. Authorities were also tasked with maintaining a comprehensive database of public and private buses.
The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday for further proceedings. Meanwhile, the Punjab government announced the reopening of outdoor activities, including parks, zoos, and playgrounds, following a decrease in smog levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notification allowing all outdoor events, including sports and exhibitions, to resume across the province.
