Twin cities enforce strict smog controls

While the smog season has been announced from October 15 to January 15, 2026, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has imposed an immediate ban on brick kilns lacking zig-zag technology, stone crushing machinery, the burning of tyres for black oil extraction, as well as the incineration of waste, crop residues, tyres, and plastics, as part of pre-emptive measures to control smog in the Rawalpindi Region and Islamabad district.

Emissions of smoke from vehicles — including motorcycles, tractors, tractor trolleys, factories, large bakeries, and industrial units have also been prohibited.

Offenders will face the registration of FIRs, with penalties ranging from six months to two years' imprisonment and fines between Rs200,000 and Rs2 million.

The department has directed the commencement of anti-smog operations across the Rawalpindi Division and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

All 258 brick kilns within the Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad district will be closed from November 15 until January 15.

Awareness campaigns have been initiated for all institutions, alongside enforcement actions targeting smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, and industrial units, which began on October 6. Brick kiln owners in the twin cities have been explicitly prohibited from operating without eco-friendly zig-zag technology.

Air quality monitoring is scheduled to commence next week. The Department of Agriculture has been instructed to prevent crop burning, while the Regional Transport Authority Secretary and Traffic Police have been tasked with implementing measures against smoke-emitting vehicles, including their impoundment.

Furthermore, all government and private schools have been ordered to impose a total ban on sports, playground activities, and outdoor events starting Monday, October 6. An anti-smog advisory has been issued, directing school heads to conduct awareness campaigns for students, staff, and parents.

These campaigns should emphasise the health risks associated with smog and the necessary precautions—such as wearing masks, increasing water intake, reducing outdoor exposure, and providing special care for children with asthma or respiratory conditions.

These awareness initiatives should be prominently disseminated across social media platforms, with documentation submitted to the relevant authorities.

Schools are also instructed to prohibit outdoor assemblies, sporting activities, and other events; maintain clean and well-ventilated classrooms; and keep doors and windows closed during periods of severe smog. The burning of rubbish or waste within school premises is strictly forbidden, and proper waste disposal must be ensured.

A record of students with respiratory or cardiac conditions should be maintained, and teaching staff must be prepared for any emergencies.

Each district will appoint a focal person responsible for liaising with district health authorities and providing immediate support in emergencies.