LHC Imposes Ban on Late-Night Restaurants in Pakistan

In a decisive move to combat smog in Lahore, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has imposed a hefty fine on restaurants and cafés found violating the mandated closing time. Acting on its previous order, the court had instructed the government to enforce a 10 pm closure for eateries, particularly in the Johar Town area.

Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC, in a Friday ruling, levied a 50,000 fine on late-night restaurants failing to adhere to the prescribed time restrictions. The court emphasized the urgency of taking immediate action against unauthorized cafes, calling for a crackdown on those operating without proper permissions.

The LHC has extended its scrutiny beyond smog-related measures, seeking accountability from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). Justice Karim, inquiring about the completion date for city underpasses, questioned the efficiency of renovations during the day. The judge expressed concerns, stating, “If the underpasses are allowed to be renovated even during the day, then how many days will it take to consult on this and give a date for completing the decoration of the underpasses?”

Furthermore, the court has turned its attention to the environmental initiatives of the Central Business District (CBD). Questioning the CBD’s commitment to green projects, the LHC sought clarification on the progress of such initiatives. Despite the CBD’s claims of initiating a green project, the court probed further, remarking, “They are erecting high-rise buildings, but who would start the green project?”