Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed her government's dedication to environmental protection, urging greater public involvement in curbing plastic pollution and supporting tree plantation drives across the province. In her message on World Environment Day, the chief minister called on citizens to help preserve natural resources and contribute to a cleaner, greener Punjab by planting more trees and reducing plastic usage.
Government Efforts and Achievements
She praised Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and officials from relevant departments for improvements in environmental conditions, particularly in Lahore and other parts of the province. The chief minister also welcomed the reduction in smog and improvements in air quality recorded during the previous year.
Strict Enforcement and New Projects
Ms. Nawaz directed authorities to continue strict enforcement against the use of substandard plastic bags and to expedite work on Punjab’s first Environment Observatory project. She emphasized that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and essential for the well-being of future generations.
The chief minister noted that the province is witnessing positive results from ongoing efforts to curb pollution and tackle smog. Punjab has become the first province in the region to develop a predictive early warning system for environmental pollution. Advanced air quality forecasting systems are being used to monitor pollution levels, and a round-the-clock monitoring mechanism has been activated through the province’s first “Environment Wall,” enabling real-time tracking of environmental data.
Action Against Pollution Sources
Authorities are also taking action against smoke-emitting vehicles, non-compliant brick kilns, and the burning of crop residues. Thirty modern anti-smog guns are currently operational, with additional units being procured for major cities, including Lahore.
Tree Plantation and Public Awareness
Ms. Nawaz said tree plantation campaigns are continuing under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan initiatives. She added that environmental protection and cleanliness are values emphasized in religious and moral teachings. She called on the public to play an active role in environmental conservation, raise awareness about climate change, and minimize plastic use to help protect the environment for future generations.
