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The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday took a firm stance on the worsening smog and urban congestion, warning that Qingqi rickshaw manufacturers could face sealing if they fail to comply with traffic regulations within three months. The court also ordered an immediate halt to the issuance of new licenses.
Justice Shahid Kareem issued the directive during a hearing on smog control measures. He expressed concern over frequent traffic blockages caused by ongoing protests on The Mall, Lahore, stating, “Registering a protest does not mean paralyzing the city. The closure of one road affects the entire traffic system.”
The judge addressed the Assistant Advocate General of Punjab (AAGP), urging the government to negotiate with protestors and relocate them to a different venue. The AAGP responded that discussions with the protestors were already in progress.
Justice Kareem also remarked on the shifting weather patterns, pointing to the occurrence of extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms in April—unusual weather that underlines the city’s environmental challenges.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr. Azhar Waheed presented a report detailing actions against beggars in the city and called for legislation to address the issue. The judge supported the suggestion, noting that the court had long pushed for legal reforms to curb organized begging.
The CTO also informed the court that a summary proposing a ban on Qingqi rickshaws had been forwarded to the home department. Justice Kareem ordered that it must reach the Chief Minister’s office by next week.
In a decisive move, the court suspended license issuance to Qingqi rickshaw manufacturers, warning that failure to meet traffic compliance standards would result in sealing of the manufacturing units.
