LAHORE(National times)- Punjab has taken a historic step toward environmental reform with a decision to ban the production of petrol-powered motorbikes and rickshaws. The announcement followed a special cabinet committee meeting on anti-smog measures chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. It was also agreed that production of all petrol motorbikes will be gradually phased out in a structured, multi-stage process across the province. Under the new policy, only electric and hybrid vehicles, including electric motorbikes, will be permitted for procurement by government departments in Punjab. Additionally, a province-wide ban has been enforced on washing cars at home using water, aligning with global water conservation practices. Modern colour-coded waste bins, similar to international smart waste systems, will be installed across Punjab. Strict penalties have been approved for burning plastic or any material that releases hazardous smoke. The committee also instructed authorities to exercise zero tolerance toward individuals or establishments causing environmental damage. A new system will be implemented to continuously test vehicles emitting smoke above the permissible limit through public-private partnership workshops.
Punjab enforces new motor vehicle ordinance with heavy fines and jail terms
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb briefed the meeting on initiatives designed to counter smog and improve air quality. She confirmed the establishment of Punjab’s first state-of-the-art Air Quality Monitoring Network. The AQI Forecast System now enables early detection of smog and real-time assessment of air pollution trends. She added that the use of smog guns has significantly reduced local pollution levels, while comprehensive clean-up operations continue in various areas. In Lahore and surrounding districts, crop-burning incidents have dropped by 88 percent due to drone surveillance and satellite tracking. A Quick Response Centre and dedicated force have also been launched for immediate action. Pakistan’s first eco-chatbot, alongside a public dashboard and mobile application, is now operational. Currently, 41 air quality monitoring systems are active in 18 districts, and another 100 sensors are scheduled for installation next year. Through Punjab’s first Emission Testing System, testing has been completed on 300,000 vehicles so far. An anti-smog war room has also been established at the Punjab Safe City Authority, where 8,500 CCTV cameras monitor factories, car wash stations and dust hotspots. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the environmental reforms and praised the departments involved. She also endorsed a campaign against child labour at brick kilns and instructed authorities to maintain zero tolerance across the province.
