Punjab smog survey shows public support for Maryam Nawaz’s steps

The majority of Lahore residents believe vehicle emissions are the top cause of smog.

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A recent survey on smog in Punjab, conducted by the private environmental research organisation Earth People Global, has highlighted strong public support for measures taken by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The survey, which gathered the opinions of 1,500 young residents of Lahore, revealed that 63% of participants believed Nawaz’s administration had made more effective and environmentally friendly efforts compared to previous governments, Express News reported.

A significant 69% of Lahore’s youth were aware of the government's initiatives to combat smog, which they credited to the government's successful awareness campaigns. Moreover, 90% of the respondents acknowledged the health risks posed by smog-related diseases. The survey also showed that 88% supported the relocation of industries from residential areas, a move aimed at reducing pollution.

The survey found that the biggest contributor to smog, according to 44% of young respondents, was vehicle emissions. Interestingly, 40% of the participants admitted that they had never had their vehicle or motorcycle’s silencer or engine checked, while 44% said they had not taken any personal action to reduce smog, such as planting trees.

 

In terms of solutions, 82% of participants expressed support for stricter monitoring of vehicles and industries to tackle smog. The survey also noted that air currents played a significant role in the spread of pollution, with emissions from crop-burning in Indian Punjab contributing to the issue in Pakistan.

 

Experts highlighted that while government measures in Punjab have made a difference, effective action on both sides of the border is essential to fully address the problem.