LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has imposed a ban on the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws as part of sweeping measures to combat smog across the province.
Chairing a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, she also approved a phased plan to gradually halt manufacturing of petrol motorcycles altogether.
On the direction of the chief minister, the government decided that all provincial departments will now purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles, including electric motorcycles. Officials further briefed that washing vehicles with water at home has been completely banned, and colour-coded waste bins will be introduced across Punjab to improve waste management.
The meeting resolved to take strict action against activities harming public health and the environment, with severe penalties for burning plastics or materials emitting toxic smoke. Approval was also granted for establishing multiple workshops under public-private partnerships to regularly test smoke-emitting vehicles.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb updated the committee on ongoing anti-smog initiatives. Officials noted that Punjab’s first Air Quality Monitoring Network is now functional, supported by an AQI Forecast System enabling early prediction of pollution. Smog guns have shown positive results in targeted zones, while anti-pollution operations continue across districts. Authorities also reported an 88pc decline in crop-burning incidents in Lahore and adjoining areas due to drone surveillance and satellite monitoring. A Quick Response Centre and dedicated force have been set up to act immediately against stubble burning.
Officials informed the meeting that Pakistan’s first “Eco Chatbot”, along with a mobile app and public dashboard, has been launched to support real-time environmental reporting.
Authorities reported that a dedicated Smog War Room has been established at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, where 8,500 CCTV cameras monitor industries, car-wash stations and dust hotspots. More than 450 polluting industrial units have been demolished and fines worth Rs23 crore imposed. Further briefings revealed that 2,200 brick kilns have been demolished and 2,336 sealed. Crackdowns are underway against tyre burning, battery burning and fat-melting facilities, while citizens can file complaints through the Green Punjab app, the 1373 helpline and the EcoWatch app.
Tree plantation efforts have rapidly expanded, with a green belt of 2.1 million trees established along a 112-km stretch around Lahore. Additional plantation includes 200,000 trees on Ring Road, 400,000 under the “Lungs of Lahore” project, 15,000 in Hadyara, and large-scale planting in parks and along railway tracks.
CM Maryam expressed satisfaction over the timely measures taken to improve the environment. She ordered a zero-tolerance policy on child labour. Maryam Nawaz also inaugurated the CM School Meal Programme and the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence for Special Education Students during her visit to the facility in Shalimar Town, Lahore. She also presented cash prizes to Special Olympians Ali Raza, Shah Galu Hayat, and blind cricketer Shahzeb.
CM Maryam Nawaz also ordered for issuance of ‘Himmat Cards’ for special students and ordered an overhaul of Special Education Centres across the province. A total of 313 institutions will be upgraded.
The CM ordered strict action against land grabbers, especially those depriving widows of their lawful property rights. Officials reported that 2,919 complaints of illegal occupation were received within three weeks, of which 499 have been resolved by DRCs.
