Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to ensure the early completion of the region’s first Environment Observatory Project, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to environmental protection and the fight against plastic pollution.
In her message on World Environment Day, the chief minister ordered the continuation of legal action against the manufacture, sale, and use of substandard plastic bags.
She also called for accelerated efforts to strengthen environmental monitoring across Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz urged citizens to plant more trees, conserve natural resources, and contribute to creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
She expressed satisfaction over what she described as a significant reduction in fog and improved environmental conditions across the province over the past year.
The chief minister praised Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her team for initiatives aimed at improving environmental conditions in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
She said Punjab had become the first province in Pakistan to develop an early-warning system for environmental pollution.
According to the chief minister, the province’s Air Quality Forecast System is monitoring air quality indicators, while the Environment Wall provides round-the-clock oversight of environmental institutions and activities.
Maryam Nawaz said enforcement operations are continuing against smoke-emitting vehicles, environmentally non-compliant brick kilns, crop residue burning, and other sources of pollution.
She added that 30 modern fog guns are currently being used to combat smog, while additional anti-smog equipment is being procured for Lahore and other cities.
The chief minister also highlighted ongoing plantation campaigns under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan initiatives, aimed at promoting sustainable environmental improvement and increasing green cover across the province.
Describing environmental protection as both a social and moral responsibility, she called for collective efforts to conserve water, energy, and natural resources for future generations, while urging citizens to reduce plastic consumption and support a cleaner and greener Punjab.
