Amid rising concerns over hazardous smog levels, Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court issued a directive on Monday instructing the government to close all schools and colleges in Punjab on Saturdays. The move comes as the provincial authorities face criticism for their inadequate efforts to control air pollution, which has recently escalated to dangerous levels.

During the hearing focused on the Punjab government’s anti-smog measures, Justice Karim expressed dissatisfaction with the Lahore commissioner and mandated the implementation of a two-day work-from-home policy.

The judge remarked, “Commissioner Lahore has failed completely in controlling smog. He talks big but nothing happens on the ground. Just a notification is issued to shut everything.”

Justice Karim also took decisive action by ordering the immediate replacement of deputy commissioners in Sheikhupura, Jhang, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Nankana, and Bahawalnagar, citing the severe situation in these districts. He directed the chief secretary of Punjab to promptly issue a notification for the transfer of the mentioned officers.

Expressing disappointment, he commented, “Videos of crop residual burning being shared are very disappointing.”