ISLAMABAD (PEN) : On Friday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a directive requiring school administrations to provide pick-and-drop services for students following the winter break, in a bid to address the growing threat of smog.
Justice Shahid Karim issued the orders during a hearing concerning petitions related to smog prevention. The court emphasized that children should only commute to school using transport arranged by the school administration. Schools that fail to comply with this directive will face the risk of being sealed, the bench warned. Additionally, the court noted that schools should not issue written disclaimers to absolve themselves of responsibility for students’ transportation.
Justice Karim also instructed the transport authorities to develop a vehicle fitness policy within 15 days. He mandated that all school vehicles undergo inspections every three months, with fitness certificates issued by the transport department to ensure safety and reliability.
This decision reflects the court’s concern for student welfare and its commitment to tackling the smog crisis, ensuring that children’s safety is prioritized amid hazardous air conditions.