Anti-smog laws to be strictly enforced

Senior minister announces completion of facilitation phase

LAHORE:

Announcing the commencement of the second phase of an anti-smog campaign, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that over the next three months, environmental protection laws and regulations will be rigorously enforced in industries, agriculture, traffic and other sectors.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, she stated that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has mandated the strict enforcement of laws and regulations under the Smog-Free Punjab vision. She noted that the first phase, which spanned three months, had focused on providing relevant facilities, technical assistance, equipment and technology across all sectors.

The senior minister warned that violations of environmental laws will result in fines, penalties and arrests. She also affirmed the commitment to impose a complete ban on plastic, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally overseeing its implementation.

Strict actions will be taken against the burning of crop residues, the emission of toxic fumes from industries and the discharge of harmful chemicals into water bodies.