LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a landmark ban on the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws, launching a comprehensive drive to curb smog and improve air quality across the province.
Presiding over a special session of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, the chief minister also approved a phased plan to gradually end the manufacturing of petrol motorcycles. All provincial departments have now been instructed to purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles, including e-motorcycles, as part of the government’s clean mobility strategy.
Officials briefed that washing vehicles with water at home has been banned, while colour-coded waste bins will soon be introduced to strengthen solid waste management. Severe action, including heavy penalties, will be taken against plastic burning and other activities releasing toxic fumes. The government has also approved multiple workshops under public-private partnerships for regular testing of smoke-emitting vehicles.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb updated the committee on ongoing anti-smog efforts. Punjab’s first Air Quality Monitoring Network is now operational, equipped with an AQI Forecast System to support early warnings. Smog guns continue to deliver positive results in targeted hotspots, while drone surveillance and satellite monitoring have led to an 88% drop in crop-burning incidents in Lahore and nearby districts.
The province has launched Pakistan’s first “Eco Chatbot”, along with a mobile app and public dashboard to facilitate real-time environmental reporting. A dedicated Smog War Room at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, supported by 8,500 CCTV cameras, is monitoring industries, car-wash stations, and pollution-prone zones. Over 450 polluting units have been demolished, Rs23 crore in fines imposed, and extensive crackdowns are underway against tyre burning, battery burning, and illegal fat-melting operations. Citizens can lodge complaints through the Green Punjab app, the 1373 helpline, and the EcoWatch app.
Tree plantation has accelerated significantly, with a 112-km green belt of 2.1 million trees developed around Lahore. Additional efforts include planting 200,000 trees along Ring Road, 400,000 under the “Lungs of Lahore” initiative, and major plantation drives in Hadyara, parks, and railway corridors.
CM Maryam expressed satisfaction with the progress made to combat environmental degradation and directed strict enforcement of child labour laws. She also inaugurated the CM School Meal Programme and the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence for Special Education in Shalimar Town, where she presented cash awards to Special Olympians Ali Raza, Shah Galu Hayat, and blind cricketer Shahzeb.
To expand support for children with special needs, the chief minister ordered the issuance of “Himmat Cards” and the upgradation of 313 Special Education Centres across Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz further instructed authorities to take firm action against land grabbers, particularly those targeting widows. Officials reported receiving 2,919 land-grab complaints within three weeks, of which 499 have been resolved through District Reconciliation Committees.
Story by Ali Raza
