Punjab Sees 33% Drop in Pollution as Maryam Nawaz Leads Anti-Smog Drive

LAHORE (Web Desk): Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted significant environmental progress in 2025, stating that the province witnessed a remarkable reduction in smog and improvement in air quality due to comprehensive government initiatives.

Speaking in Lahore, she noted that Punjab has emerged as a model province in environmental protection, crediting the collective efforts of government departments, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

She shared that for the first time since the COVID-19 period, a clear improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded. Across Pakistan, particulate matter levels dropped by 8.7%, while Punjab outperformed other provinces with a notable 33.2% reduction.

In Lahore, pollution levels decreased significantly, while cities like Rawalpindi recorded PM2.5 levels below 50, making it one of the cleanest major cities. Other cities, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Mandi Bahauddin, also experienced visible improvements.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this success was driven by a comprehensive anti-smog strategy that combined modern technology, digital monitoring systems, and strict field enforcement.

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Measures such as controlling industrial emissions, reducing toxic fumes, managing construction dust, and introducing zigzag technology in brick kilns played a key role. Vehicle emissions testing and rapid response teams to curb crop residue burning further strengthened the campaign.

According to official reports, environmental enforcement saw a massive increase, with over 81,000 visits and 113,000 inspections conducted in 2025.

Authorities issued thousands of notices, sealed multiple industrial units, registered over 2,300 FIRs, and imposed fines worth millions of rupees.

Additionally, more than 419,000 kilograms of hazardous materials were confiscated, while thousands of water recyclers, mist sprinklers, and anti-smog guns were deployed to control pollution.

In a separate development, Maryam Nawaz Sharif took immediate notice of reports that a surgical operation was conducted under mobile phone light due to a power outage at Services Hospital. She directed the Health Department to submit an urgent report and ensure accountability.

Later, she expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of three children in a wall collapse incident in Kasur caused by heavy rain. Extending her condolences to the affected families, she ordered authorities to survey unsafe buildings and take preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.