The Lahore High Court on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the practice of traffic police stopping citizens without valid reason, observing that law-abiding individuals should not be stopped unnecessarily.
Justice Shahid Karim, while hearing a case related to smog mitigation, remarked that such actions not only cause inconvenience to the public but also severely disrupt the flow of traffic.
During the hearing, Justice Shahid Karim observed that traffic police personnel often stand in groups on roads but fail to take effective action against actual violators of the law. The court emphasized that whenever a citizen is stopped, they must be immediately informed of the reason, as clearly required under police rules.
The court further noted that motorcyclists are often stopped in the middle of the road for conversation, which leads to traffic congestion. If a citizen or motorcyclist is fully complying with traffic laws, there is no justification for stopping them. Justice Shahid Karim remarked that unnecessary stopping of citizens not only hampers traffic flow but also causes mental distress to the public.
During the proceedings, Environmental Commission member Syed Kamal Haider informed the court that traffic police often stop citizens during peak hours to collect fines, which results in traffic jams. The court expressed concern, stating that paralyzing the entire traffic system merely to collect fines is unacceptable.
The court also expressed displeasure over the lack of effective action against smoke-emitting vehicles in the city and directed authorities to immediately launch a crackdown on such vehicles to help control smog.
Other environmental matters were also discussed during the hearing. The Environmental Commission informed the court that the Gujranwala Yellow Line Metro project has not yet obtained environmental approval. Justice Shahid Karim directed that large-sized trees be planted and that ongoing development projects must ensure regular water sprinkling on a daily basis.
The court appreciated the legislation regarding tree transplantation and emphasized that these laws must be implemented across all projects. It further directed that all trees present at development sites be properly tagged to maintain a record.
Justice Shahid Karim also questioned the performance of WASA, observing that the authority appears to be failing in recovering its dues. The court inquired whether WASA had approached the court or the commission for assistance in recovery and stressed the need for strict implementation of the newly enacted law.
The court appreciated the performance of the Environment Department and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), directing them to focus on the restoration of parks in middle-income areas so that children in those localities can also benefit from recreational facilities.
During the hearing, law officers representing the Punjab government, the Environmental Commission, LDA, and PHA appeared before the court, while Deputy Director Environment Ali Ejaz and other officials were also present.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case until April 30.
