Toddler knocks on LHC door to help ensure smog-free tomorrow
Pakistan
Says govt is responsible to provide clean and healthy environment to every citizen under Article 9A
LAHORE (Dunya News) - In an unusual case, a three-year-old girl has knocked on the Lahore High Court door to grill authorities for their alleged failure to control environmental pollution.
Amal Sukhera, 3, has filed an application in the LHC through Barrister Ali Zafar. Justice Jawad Hassan has sought response from environment secretary and other officers by issuing notices to them.
The petitioner says in the application that she has taken the step for the betterment of friends, class fellows and future generations as air pollution is affecting the young and old alike.
She says Punjab’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has increased alarmingly and the Punjab government and environment department have failed to control the air pollution.
"The government is responsible for providing a clean and healthy environment to every citizen under Article 9A of the Constitution but the Punjab government has failed to protect the fundamental rights of citizens," pleads the three years old.
Read also: Punjab govt closes schools as smog situation worsens
According to reports, she says, average life expectancy has been reduced by five years with an increase in air pollution. Smoke-emitting vehicles hit roads without having fitness tests adding to the pollution, she says.
The court inquired whether a three-year-old child could file an application in court.
The lawyer responded that any Pakistani citizen affected by the government measures could knock on the door of the high court.
The court asked why the applicant couldn’t come to court. The lawyer informed the court that she was advised to stay at home due to smog.
The court directed the Punjab government to crack down on smoke-emitting vehicles and take other remedial measures. The judge also issued notices to the officers concerned to come up with replies and adjourned the case till Nov 18.
