CM vows to rid Punjab of plastic pollution

Orders early completion of observatory project

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed gratitude over a reduction in fog and improvement of environmental conditions witnessed during the past year.

In a message on World Environment Day, she reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to the elimination of plastic pollution.

She directed the authorities to continue action against the use of substandard plastic bags and expedite the completion of Punjab's first Environment Observatory project.

She said measures aimed at reducing pollution and combating smog were yielding encouraging results.

The chief minister stated that Punjab had become the first province in the region to acquire the capability of issuing early alerts regarding environmental pollution.

Pollution indicators are being monitored across the province through an Air Quality Forecast System.

She added that an Environment Wall was providing a 24/7 monitoring mechanism for environmental institutions.

CM Maryam Nawaz said legal action was continuing against environmental violations, including smoke-emitting vehicles, brick kilns and the burning of crop residue. She added that 30 fog guns were being utilised to combat smog, while additional guns were being procured for Lahore and other cities.

She called for a collective commitment to the protection of water resources and environmental assets, urging citizens to raise awareness about nature conservation, pollution control and climate change mitigation on World Environment Day.

The chief minister appealed to the public to stop the use of plastic.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the death of four people who were run over by a car in Pakpattan.She sought a report from the Sahiwal regional police officer regarding the incident.

In another statement, the Punjab chief minister expressed appreciation over a successful operation in Panjgur in which six terrorists were eliminated. She said the fight against terrorism would continue until lasting peace and security were achieved.

Meanwhile, World Environment Day was observed across Punjab on Friday with renewed calls for environmental protection, climate action and sustainable use of natural resources amid growing concerns over pollution, deforestation and climate change.

Celebrated annually on June 5, World Environment Day is one of the United Nations' largest environmental awareness campaigns, aimed at encouraging governments, organisations and individuals to take action for the protection of the planet. The observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.

This year's theme, "Inspired by Nature for Climate," highlights the critical role of natural ecosystems and environmental resources in addressing the global climate crisis.

Environmental experts warned that rising pollution levels, rapid deforestation, increasing temperatures and changing weather patterns are posing serious threats to both human health and natural ecosystems. They stressed that collective efforts are needed to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Speaking on the occasion, noted environmentalist Imran Sabir said that planting trees, conserving water resources, reducing plastic consumption and adopting environmentally friendly lifestyles had become essential.

"Environmental protection can only be achieved through both individual and collective action," he said, warning that the consequences of climate change could become more severe if timely measures are not taken.

Sabir added that World Environment Day serves as an important reminder of the need to conserve natural resources and promote sustainable practices at all levels of society.

Another environmental expert, Dr Mahmood Khalid Qamar, urged citizens to play an active role in protecting the planet by conserving resources, embracing sustainable lifestyles and raising awareness about environmental challenges.

Dr Qamar highlighted several government initiatives, including the National Clean Air Policy, Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations and the National Adaptation Plan, which aim to restore ecosystems, promote clean energy and strengthen community resilience against climate change.

"Trees act as the lungs of the Earth by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also help lower temperatures, prevent soil erosion and provide habitats for wildlife," he said.