Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, while addressing an anti-smog meeting, stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, effective and multi-sectoral measures are being implemented to control smog and improve the environment across Punjab. As a result of these sustained efforts, a significant improvement in Lahore’s air quality has been recorded.
According to the latest data, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved to 91, while the city has moved to 9th position in global rankings-an evident reflection of the success of the government’s policies.
Under the directions of the Chief Minister, comprehensive actions are being taken simultaneously across multiple sectors to eliminate smog. Under the Green School Certification Program, 26,330 schools across the province have been enrolled, engaging over 7.6 million students and teachers in environmental protection activities. Schools are promoting daily AQI monitoring, water conservation, energy efficiency, and plantation initiatives.
Revolutionary steps are also being taken in the transport sector to reduce environmental pollution. Under the Chief Minister’s “Two- and Three-Wheeler Replacement Policy,” two- and three-wheeled vehicles are being gradually converted to electric vehicles (EVs), with government motorbikes being shifted in the first phase. Additionally, public transport is also being transitioned to EV systems to significantly curb air pollution.
In the agriculture sector, 20,000 super seeders are being provided to farmers to prevent crop residue burning, while anti-stubble burning squads are actively operating in the field, ensuring strict action against violations.
The Senior Provincial Minister stated that a detailed review of smog control measures has been conducted. She highlighted that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, environmental improvement is being ensured through technology-driven solutions, multi-sectoral enforcement, effective policymaking, and modern systems such as the “Punjab Climate Watch.”
Efforts to eliminate single-use plastics, along with promoting recycling and composting, are being rapidly implemented. Commitments for 50,000 anti-single-use plastic bags have been fulfilled, and thousands of shopkeepers in Lahore have joined the campaign. In Ichhra Bazaar, 3,700 shopkeepers have pledged to eliminate plastic bags. The campaign has been declared successful in 10 districts, where 34 zones and 2,904 shops have been declared plastic-free.
To ensure enforcement of environmental laws, Environment Protection Force enforcement squads are actively operating in the field, supported by 67 Quick Response Units for immediate action. Continuous monitoring of pollution hotspots is underway, and the Punjab Climate Watch alert system is fully operational, issuing real-time instructions to officers via WhatsApp and calls.
Fog cannons are being deployed on major highways to control dust and pollution, while water sprinkling on under-construction roads has been made mandatory. The establishment of green buffer zones around industrial areas is also being ensured, with strict action against violations.
Furthermore, a deadline of May 30 has been set for the installation of suction ducts at barbecue points. The establishment of “Plastic-Free Zones” on motorways, in malls, and in markets is progressing rapidly.
Citizens are being provided guidance and alerts through the EPA helpline 1373. In case of any rise in AQI levels, a crisis management plan is immediately activated, with clearly defined responsibilities and timelines.
Maryam Aurangzeb reiterated that in line with the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, practical measures are being implemented at a rapid pace to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment. The government remains fully committed to utilizing all available resources to eliminate environmental pollution.