The Suthra Punjab Authority has introduced an e-challan system in Lahore to take action against people who litter in public places. Strict penalties have also been announced for burning waste and tyres, with violators facing heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
The system is being introduced as a pilot project in 200 commercial markets and along major roads across Lahore, including The Mall, Jail Road and Ferozepur Road.
Lahore Suthra Punjab Authority CEO Shehryar Arif Khan said 25 teams began visiting different areas on Tuesday and started warning people found violating cleanliness rules.
The enforcement operation has a total of 75 staff members, including 50 officials working in field and supervisory teams.
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September has been declared a grace period for violators. During this time, officials will focus on warnings and public awareness rather than imposing fines. Formal penalties will be introduced from October 1.
For now, the e-challan system will not cover residential areas. The authority plans to first educate residents about cleanliness rules before expanding the system to these areas.
During the grace period, teams working in commercial areas and along model roads will inform citizens that littering is a crime and warn them against repeating such violations.
The e-challan system was officially launched during a ceremony at Liberty Chowk. Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Ali Ejaz and Shehryar Arif Khan attended the event.
Anti-littering squads have also been deployed on major roads, in markets and at commercial centres. Their responsibilities include monitoring cleanliness violations and raising awareness among citizens about the city’s cleanliness laws.
Officials said warning e-challans would begin from September 1, 2026, but no fines would be imposed during the initial period. The main purpose of this phase is to educate citizens and encourage them to follow proper waste disposal practices.
Repeated violations, however, will result in legal action and financial penalties.
Under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2025 and the Suthra Punjab Authority Act, 2026, people caught throwing or burning waste on roads will face strict penalties.
Littering in public places can result in a fine ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs10,000. Those who fail to keep the area outside their homes, shops or factories clean may be fined between Rs1,000 and Rs50,000.
Shops and shopping malls using prohibited plastic bags can face fines of Rs1,000 to Rs2,000.