Why market closing time changed to 10pm, asks LHC

LAHORE:Lahore High Court (LHC) has expressed annoyance over fixing markets time till 10PM inquiring from Advocate General (AG) Punjab how the time of markets was changed without filing report in the court.

Justice Shahid Karim of LHC took up for hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others regarding eradication of smog Friday. During the hearing, the court expressed annoyance over fixing the time of market till 10pm besides inquiring from AG how the time of markets was changed without filing report in the court. AG said, ‘I just now get report.’

Justice Shahid Karim remarked here are several pressure groups and mafias. The process of changing time of markets looks like this. Justice Shahid Karim remarked the officers will have to understand that smog is very important matter.

AG Punjab assured the court of seeing the matter forthwith. The court also directed LDA to bring policy for those who set up carts on roads. Setting up carts on roads disrupt traffic flow. Separate place should be allocated for carts. Counsel for LDA said the authority was working in this regard.

Justice Shahid Karim remarked the objective of the court was not to teasing cart owners but facilitating them. AG Punjab told the court that points were being fixed for fitness inspection of vehicles after every six months. The court directed that tag be also fixed on the vehicles after fitness certificate. The court adjourned the hearing of the petitions till next Friday. —Online