LHC orders to impose fine on markets over violation of 10pm closure orders.

LAHORE -- The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered to impose Rs 200,000 fine on markets that remain open after 10pm. The court also ordered action against against illegal parking sites in the city. Justice Shahid Karim passed the orders while hearing identical petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others seeking directions to control smog.

At the start of proceedings, the members of Judicial Water and Environmental Commission appeared before the court and submitted an implementation report. To a court query about closing of restaurants at 10 pm, a member submitted that deputy commissioner was supposed to ensure implementation of the orders in this regard. At this stage, the court remarked that the situation had improved by closing the markets at 10 pm, adding that action should be taken against the violators and Rs 200,000 fine be imposed. The commission's member told the court that Agriculture Department had sought Rs 19 billion for the purchase of equipments. To...