LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has introduced a compulsory transport monetisation policy for its senior officers in BPS-20 and BPS-21, ending the use of official vehicles, fuel, and maintenance benefits.
According to a notification issued by LHC Registrar Amjad Iqbal Ranjha, this policy follows the model already adopted by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Under the new system, eligible officers will receive a monthly transport allowance instead of using official vehicles.
The allowance will be Rs77,430 for BPS-21 officers, Rs65,960 for BPS-20, and Rs55,000 for those in BPS-19—subject to approval by the provincial finance department.
The policy applies to officers serving in permanent BPS-19, BPS-20, and BPS-21 positions, but excludes those working on deputation or ex-cadre posts.
Officials already using government vehicles will have the option to buy them at a reduced price, as a one-time offer. If they choose not to buy, the vehicles will be auctioned.
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Judicial officers serving under the LHC but using vehicles from their parent departments, and not opting for monetisation, will continue to receive fuel as per their entitlement. The court said the allowance may be revised based on changes in fuel prices.
While the move aims to reduce costs, some experts believe it may raise questions about whether it is a genuine reform or simply a repackaging of benefits.
Meanwhile, The Lahore High Court directed the Environment Department to urgently issue fitness stickers for heavy transport vehicles, large vehicles, and rickshaws.
Justice Shahid Karim issued the order while hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others. Officials from different government departments, including the Environment Department, were present during the hearing.
The court also ordered a detailed survey to check the working condition of water treatment plants in industrial areas. Justice Karim stressed the need for effective monitoring to control pollution.
A member of the Judicial Water and Environmental Commission told the court that the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had failed to relocate birds from Tollinton Market, despite clear court orders. The judge showed displeasure and criticised the LDA for not following the court’s directions.
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The Punjab government’s lawyer informed the court that funds have been allocated in the new budget for installing 200,000 water meters.
Justice Karim directed that an official progress report be submitted in the form of a government letter at the next hearing. The court also expressed concern over the lack of health allowances for traffic wardens.
Justice Karim highlighted the serious impact of climate change, noting that temperatures have risen by two degrees Celsius. He said the region is facing both heatwaves and environmental challenges.
“We must take serious and urgent steps,” he added. The judge also criticised the public for wasting water and not understanding its importance. “Ask the people of Sindh what water means to them,” he remarked.
Earlier, Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim has raised concerns about the rapid decline in groundwater and proposed strict measures to save water, including banning car washing at home.
While hearing petitions about the government’s failure to control smog, Justice Karim reviewed a report from a judicial water commission that showed underground water was being rapidly depleted.
He recommended a Rs10,000 fine on people found washing cars at home and ordered a citywide awareness campaign using banners and posters.
