KEY POINTS
- Strict penalties are to be enforced for burning plastics and toxic materials.
- Air quality monitoring network is to be expanded with 41 stations already operational and 100 more sensors planned.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s most populous province, Punjab, has made a landmark move in its fight for a cleaner, greener future by announcing a ban on the production of petrol-powered motorcycles and rickshaws, a bold stride toward sustainable urban mobility and environmental reform.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced this ban on the production of petrol motorcycle rickshaws, marking a major step in the province’s anti-smog strategy.
The move is part of a phased effort to end the manufacture of petrol motorcycles entirely.
Government departments will now purchase only electric and hybrid vehicles and motorcycles to further reduce emissions and promote sustainable urban transport.
Waste management and stricter regulations
The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Smog Control approved the installation of coloured dustbins across Punjab, aligning with global solid waste practices.
The government also introduced strict penalties for burning plastics, tires, rubber, polythene bags, leather, and other toxic materials.
Washing vehicles at home with water has been prohibited to reinforce water conservation measures.
Air quality monitoring network
Punjab has established its first advanced air quality monitoring network, with 41 stations currently operational in 18 districts and plans to add 100 more sensors next year.
The AQI forecast system allows authorities to identify smog patterns and issue timely alerts.
Smog guns have been deployed to reduce pollution in hotspots, while regular workshops and vehicle emissions testing continue to strengthen enforcement.
Environmental improvements
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reported an 88% decline in crop burning incidents in Lahore and surrounding areas, facilitated by drone surveillance and satellite tracking.
The province has also launched the Eco Chatbot, mobile apps, and public dashboards for real-time environmental monitoring.
More than 450 polluting industrial units have been demolished, fines totaling Rs230 million imposed, and night squads continue crackdowns on illegal pollution sources, including brick kilns and battery smelting units.
Awareness campaigns and tree plantation
Punjab has initiated awareness programs in schools, colleges, and universities and launched the Green School Certification Program.
Massive tree plantation efforts are underway, including a 2.1 million–tree green belt around Lahore, 400,000 trees under the “Lungs of Lahore” project, and 200,000 along the Ring Road. Additional plantations are ongoing along parks, railways, and urban green zones.
Chief Minister Praises Progress
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction with the province’s environmental achievements, commending the efforts of institutions and citizens alike.
She emphasised continued focus on eliminating child labour in brick kilns and urged public cooperation to sustain long-term environmental reforms.
