The Punjab government has announced a province-wide ban on the use of wood and charcoal for cooking in restaurants and BBQ outlets to combat worsening air pollution. All eateries, including hotels, have been given 15 days to install smoke control systems and suction hoods or face legal action under environmental laws.
According to an official directive issued on Wednesday, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Punjab Food Authority (PFA) have begun joint inspections to ensure compliance.
EPA Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh said field teams have been deployed in all districts to enforce the ban. “There is no room for smoke-emitting restaurants in Punjab. Those who fail to install suction systems within 15 days will face strict action,” he said. Sheikh added that deputy commissioners have been instructed to supervise implementation and ensure full compliance.
Officials said the decision is part of Punjab’s expanded smog prevention plan ahead of winter. EPA teams are also inspecting industries, vehicles, and open waste burning to control emissions.
The move comes as air quality continues to decline across the province. The EPA’s latest eight-hour report recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 164, categorized as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Gujranwala had the highest AQI at 239, followed by Kasur at 209 and Lahore at 206 — all in the “Very Unhealthy” range. Other major cities, including Narowal, Faisalabad, and Hafizabad, also recorded AQI levels above 170, far exceeding safe limits.
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