Punjab top environmental performer: CM

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared that 2025 has proven to be a year of significant reduction in smog and marked improvement in air quality as a result of environment-friendly initiatives undertaken by the provincial government.

The chief minister stated that Lahore had recorded a noticeable improvement in the Air Quality Index for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, while Punjab had emerged as the top-performing province in environmental protection.

According to official data, the average level of particulate matter in Pakistan had decreased by 8.7 per cent, with Punjab witnessing a 33.2% reduction.

Environmental enforcement also intensified, with over 81,000 visits and 113,000 inspections conducted during 2025. Authorities issued over 7,900 notices, sealed thousands of industrial units, registered more than 2,300 FIRs, and imposed fines exceeding Rs192 million during the year. Additionally, more than 419,000 kilogrammes of hazardous material was confiscated.

According to a statement, strict monitoring of brick kilns, factories, and construction sites was ensured, while over 2,200 water recyclers and mist sprinklers were installed, helping reduce particulate matter levels in Lahore from 102 to 89.

The use of anti-smog guns and effective measures against crop residue burning contributed to improved air quality, supported by 67 water bowser units deployed for rapid response.

Significant improvements were also recorded in other cities, including Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Mandi Bahauddin. Rawalpindi, in particular, ranked among the cleanest major cities after PM2.5 levels dropped below 50.

A report highlighted that, for the first time, a comprehensive anti-smog strategy integrating modern technology, digital monitoring, and field enforcement was implemented. Measures such as transitioning brick kilns to zig-zag technology, vehicle emission testing, and strict control over construction activities played a key role in reducing pollution levels. Quick response units also proved effective in curbing crop burning.

Commending the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency and all relevant departments, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed confidence that Punjab is on its way to becoming a model province in environment protection and vowed that the province will surpass its own performance record in the sector during the ongoing year.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to expand the scope of sanitation operations in Lahore by including the railway lines and selected cantonment areas in the Suthra Punjab Programme.

In a review meeting on the sanitation operation chaired by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique, preliminary steps were considered for increasing the number of union councils under the new local government system.

The minister, while emphasising the need to dump the garbage of large private housing schemes, directed that the societies should be provided services at a fee.

"Under Suthra Punjab, 10,500 feet of streets and roads are being cleaned in Lahore city," he observed.

He directed the deputy commissioner to identify government land for developing temporary dumping points. Setting up temporary dumping points near every area will improve the results and save resources, he asserted.

The minister said that biogas plants will be set up to utilise the dung produced in gowala colonies. "The pilot project in this regard is successfully producing results. The owners in Lahore have also shown their willingness to pay a fee per cattle, which is a welcome thing," he added.