The Punjab government has announced strong measures to tackle pollution and smog, including a complete ban on the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws and a gradual phase-out of petrol motorcycles across the province.
The Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, also approved a policy mandating that all government departments purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles and electric motorcycles in the future.
The government has prohibited washing vehicles at home with water and plans to introduce colour-coded waste bins to improve waste management.
Officials warned that strict penalties will be imposed on anyone burning plastic or materials that produce toxic smoke, emphasizing zero tolerance for actions harming public health or the environment.
To control smoke-emitting vehicles, the cabinet approved the creation of permanent testing workshops across Punjab. A Smog War Room has already been set up at the Safe City Authority to monitor air quality and anti-smog measures.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that 41 air-quality monitoring systems are operational in 18 districts, with 100 more sensors to be installed next year.
Officials reported that over 450 polluting industrial units have been demolished, with fines of Rs230 million imposed, and the Night Squad alone removed more than 100 units. Efforts against polluting brick kilns have also intensified, with 2,200 kilns demolished and 2,336 sealed so far.