Expressing indignation over the closure of roads for traffic during local cricket matches, Justice Shahid Kareem of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday summoned CEO Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), SP Security and CTO tomorrow (Friday, October 8) along with complete record, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the hearing of a case related to the preservation of underground water and tackling environmental pollution, the LHC judge said, “These matches have ruined people’s businesses. There is no need for security for local matches.”

“From today onwards no team will visit Pakistan. Even I got stuck in a traffic jam yesterday due to a match between two local teams,” Justice Shahid remarked angrily.

Judicial Water and Environmental Commission Focal Person Syed Kamal Hyder, representatives of environment department and others appeared before the court. 

Justice Shahid further said that when traffic came to a standstill on roads for security purposes, it added to ‘smog’. “Under what law, security forces’ personnel were deputed to stop the flow of traffic during a cricket match yesterday?” the judge questioned.  

Judicial Water and Environmental Commission Focal Person, on the occasion, submitted to the court a report on implementation on its orders with respect to ‘Smog Action Plan’.

The report tells that under the plan each and every department has been given tasks to prevent the formation of smog at the onset of winter season.

For instance, the agriculture department has been assigned the task to stop farmers from burning the residue of crops. 

According to the report, farmers can be fined Rs50, 000 in case they are found indulging in this activity. 

The environment department will monitor implementation on ‘Smog Action Plan’. It will keep an eye on the air quality index and brick kilns.

It will also have the authority to slap Rs50, 000 fine on the violators.

Joint teams of the environment department and traffic police will be constituted to tackle with the issue of smog. 

As per the report, these teams will have the powers to fine Rs2, 000 on owners of the cars emitting smoke besides impounding the vehicle for three days.

Lahore Waste Management Company and MCL will take steps to prevent incidents of garbage burning.

The report further reads that DIG police will be responsible for enforcing section 144 in letter and spirit in order to deter people from burning the residue of crops.    

Reporter Malik Ashraf