Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a province-wide ban on the production of petrol motorcycle rickshaws, alongside a phased move to end petrol motorcycle manufacturing.
The decision comes as the government intensifies its anti-smog strategy through a series of major environmental reforms.
During the special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Smog Control, it was decided that government departments will now purchase only electric and hybrid vehicles and motorcycles. Officials said this shift aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable urban mobility.
A complete ban on washing vehicles with water at homes was also approved, reinforcing water conservation measures across Punjab.
Modern dustbins, stricter regulations
The meeting decided to install coloured dustbins across Punjab, following global solid waste management practices. Participants also approved strict punishments for burning plastic, tires, rubber, polythene bags, leather, and other toxic smoke–producing materials.
“No concession will be given to anyone harming public health or the environment,” the committee resolved.
Testing, monitoring, enforcement strengthened
Punjab approved the holding of regular workshops for testing smoke-emitting vehicles, expanding regulatory oversight across cities. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed the meeting on measures to improve air quality, noting that the province has established its first state-of-the-art air quality monitoring network.
Through the AQI forecast system, authorities can now accurately identify smog patterns and issue timely alerts. The use of smog guns has already reduced pollution in local hotspots, while comprehensive operations continue across various districts.
Major decline in crop burning incidents
Marriyum Aurangzeb reported an 88% reduction in crop burning incidents in Lahore and nearby areas. She said drone surveillance and satellite-tracking systems have enabled rapid detection, allowing enforcement teams to act immediately.
A Quick Response Center and Force have been set up to deal with crop burning incidents without delay.
Punjab has launched the country’s first Eco Chatbot, along with a mobile application and public dashboard for real-time environmental monitoring. Currently, 41 air quality monitoring stations are operational in 18 districts, with a target of 100 additional sensors to be installed next year.
The province’s first emission testing system has tested 300,000 vehicles, providing data essential for smog control.
A dedicated room for continuous environment monitoring has been established under the Punjab Safe City Authority, using 8,500 CCTV cameras to monitor industries, car washes, and dust hotspots.
Polluting units and illegal practices
Officials reported that more than 450 industrial units causing pollution have been demolished, alongside fines totaling Rs230 million.
CCTV systems are now in place for industrial environment control, with night monitoring teams active.
The night squad demolished more than 100 polluting units, while 2,200 kilns were demolished and 2,336 sealed across the province.
Punjab has launched the largest anti-plastic campaign in its history, with 26,000 businessmen pledging not to use harmful plastics.
Crackdowns continue against tire-burning sites, battery smelting operations, and fat-melting factories.
Residents can lodge complaints via the Green Punjab App, the 1373 helpline, and the Eco Watch app.
Awareness campaigns, large-scale tree plantation
Awareness campaigns are underway in schools, colleges, and universities to educate youth about environmental protection.
Punjab has also launched its first Green School Certification Program.
Tree plantation efforts include a 2.1 million–tree fence around a 112km zone in Lahore. Additionally, 200,000 trees have been planted along the Ring Road, 400,000 under the “Lungs of Lahore” project, and 15,000 in Hadiyara.
Tree planting has also been carried out in 30 parks and along a 40km railway track, with work ongoing.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction with the province’s environmental improvement measures and congratulated all institutions involved. She praised the campaign against child labour in brick kilns, urging zero tolerance on such practices across Punjab.
“What we achieved in a year and a half must be enhanced further in the next four years,” she said, commending the dedication and innovation shown by government institutions.
She also thanked the citizens who have actively supported government initiatives, emphasizing that public cooperation is essential for long-term environmental reform.
