Punjab initiates a prohibition on the production of petrol motorbikes and rickshaws.

Punjab has made a significant advancement in environmental reform by deciding to prohibit the manufacture of petrol-powered motorcycles and rickshaws.

The statement ensued a specialised cabinet committee meeting on anti-smog initiatives presided over Pakistan Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. It was also resolved that the production of all petrol motorbikes will be systematically discontinued through a planned, multi-phase procedure throughout the province.

According to the new policy, only electric and hybrid vehicles, including electric motorcycles, will be authorised for acquisition by government departments in Punjab. A province-wide prohibition on washing cars at home with water has been implemented, in accordance with international water conservation standards. Contemporary colour-coded waste receptacles, akin to global intelligent waste management systems, will be deployed throughout Punjab.

Severe fines have been enacted for the incineration of plastic or any substance that emits toxic fumes. The committee directed authorities to implement a policy of zero tolerance for persons or entities responsible for environmental degradation. A novel method will be established to perpetually assess automobiles that release smoke exceeding the allowable limit via public-private cooperation workshops.

Punjab implements a new motor vehicle ordinance imposing substantial fines and imprisonment.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb informed the meeting about actions aimed at combating smog and enhancing air quality. She affirmed the creation of Punjab’s inaugural advanced Air Quality Monitoring Network. The AQI Forecast System now facilitates the early identification of smog and the real-time evaluation of air pollution patterns.

She stated that the implementation of smog guns has markedly diminished local pollution levels, although extensive clean-up initiatives persist in many regions. In Lahore and adjacent regions, occurrences of crop burning have decreased by 88 percent as a result of drone surveillance and satellite monitoring. A Quick Response Centre and a specialised unit have been established for prompt intervention.

Pakistan’s inaugural eco-chatbot, in conjunction with a public dashboard and mobile application, is now functional. Presently, 41 air quality monitoring systems operate throughout 18 districts, with an additional 100 sensors planned for installation next year. Punjab’s inaugural Emission Testing System has successfully tested 300,000 automobiles to date.

An anti-smog command centre has been constructed at the Punjab Safe City Authority, where 8,500 CCTV cameras oversee factories, vehicle wash facilities, and dust-prone areas. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif conveyed her approval of the environmental improvements and commended the participating ministries. She sponsored a campaign against child work in brick kilns and directed officials to uphold a policy of zero tolerance throughout the province.