The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned the Lahore High Court of an impending severe heatwave expected to hit Punjab next week, with temperatures predicted to surpass 50 degrees Celsius.
During a Friday hearing concerning petitions on smog and environmental pollution, a PDMA representative alerted the court to the imminent heatwave, describing it as particularly intense.
Justice Shahid Karim expressed deep concern over the alarming forecast. The PDMA official further noted that the heatwave is also adversely affecting plants and trees.
In response, Justice Karim instructed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to implement measures for maintaining all public parks in Lahore. He also directed the PHA to develop a park restoration policy, which should include financial support from local residents.
A lawyer representing the Central Business District (CBD) informed the court that two tanks had been constructed to store rainwater. Justice Karim emphasized the need for additional measures to conserve rainwater.
Additionally, he mentioned that the court plans to extend market hours before Eidul Azha, with an official order to be issued at the next hearing. The next court session is scheduled for June 7.
