Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the significant improvement in Lahore’s air quality, noting a 42 per cent reduction in the Air Quality Index compared to the corresponding period last year.
In a statement, she said empirical data shows clear improvement in 23 out of the 30 days of November 2025, with the AQI dropping from 453 in November 2024 to 261 this year, an indication that pollution levels, which had peaked last year, have been effectively controlled.
The CM said that historic measures taken during her one-and-a-half-year tenure have contributed greatly to environmental improvement. She said that proper legislation, strict enforcement of environmental laws, and the use of modern machinery and technology played a key role. For the first time in Punjab’s history, she added, a comprehensive vision has been introduced to make all sectors environmentally friendly. She said increased forest protection and extensive tree plantation drives have also supported the improvement in air quality.
CM Maryam Nawaz said this positive change is the result of the government’s determined efforts and the cooperation of the public. She expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for enabling the establishment of a modern forecasting system equipped with advanced technology for real-time monitoring and surveillance. She added that inspections of kilns and industrial units’ environmental control systems are continuing across Punjab.
The CM thanked the public and all stakeholders for their support and termed the improvement “a beginning,” reaffirming that an environmentally friendly Punjab is the ultimate goal. She said superseeders have performed exceptionally well, with 5,000 machines deployed across the province, resulting in a record decline in incidents of crop residue burning.
Acknowledging the ongoing seasonal transition as temperatures continue to fall, she said that despite notable progress, substantial work remains to combat smog and pollution, efforts that require full public cooperation.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities concerned to expedite development work in Ravi City.
She visited the Motorway-2 Ravi Toll Plaza River Training Works for a detailed briefing on the project and also reviewed progress at the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) Package 16 River Training Works.
RUDA Chairman Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin, and Chief Operating Officer Brigadier Mansoor Janjua briefed her on the ongoing work at the site.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the role of the aviation industry cannot be underestimated in promoting the economy, tourism, and public relations.
In her message on International Civil Aviation Day, she added that the Punjab government is committed to providing modern air travel facilities to the public, and a proposal to establish a Punjab Airline is under consideration. She noted that aviation has truly transformed the world into a global village by bridging distances.
Moreover, the CM paid rich tribute to the security forces for consigning to hell 12 Indian-backed terrorists in Kalat. She vowed that the state of Pakistan has taken a final decision to uproot every network of all types of terrorism. She said, our forces are our pride and the nation is proud of their bravery and professionalism.