18 cases registered over smog violations

LAHORE:

The Punjab police registered 18 cases and arrested 12 people over violating the anti-smog laws across the province on Sunday. According to a police spokesman, 362 people were fined more than Rs550,000 and 29 people were issued warnings.

The police received seven complaints about crop residue burning, 266 about vehicles emitting excessive smoke and two about brick kilns using old technology.

In the last 24 hours, 4,865 vehicles emitting excessive smoke were challaned, 445 were impounded and fitness certificates of two were suspended. Meanwhile, 52 shops were sealed in the provincial capital for violating the operating hours imposed to combat smog.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza urged the citizens to take precautions during the ongoing smog season, avoid unnecessary travel, wear masks and protect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with health issues from air pollution.