Punjab Launches Crackdown on Smoke-Emitting Vehicles Provincewide

LAHORE,  The Punjab government has launched a province-wide crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle rising smog levels.

According to officials, Director General of Environment Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh announced that smoke-emitting vehicles will no longer be allowed on the roads starting today. He instructed the traffic police to take immediate action against such vehicles and ensure strict enforcement.

In addition, vehicles without valid fitness certificates will be removed from roads without delay, the DG Environment added.

Dr. Sheikh also directed authorities to address traffic congestion at major intersections and hotspots across urban areas to help reduce pollution levels.

In a stern move against garbage burning, the DG ordered the arrest of individuals involved in such activities and the registration of criminal cases against them.

Earlier, Punjab’s Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that nine government departments have been actively participating in the anti-smog operation following directives from the Chief Minister.

She noted that for the first time in the province’s history, an operation is being carried out using AQI (Air Quality Index) forecasting data. Smog guns, air quality monitors, and anti-smog machinery have also been deployed in the field.

Monitoring of brick kilns and other pollution sources is ongoing, with live reporting systems in place to ensure real-time action, the minister added.

Read More:Punjab Police Takes Strict Action Against Smog

The Punjab Police has launched an extensive crackdown across the province to curb smog and promote environmental protection. Under the directives of IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, an anti-smog campaign is actively underway in Lahore and various other districts. In the last 24 hours alone, 49 cases have been registered, and 7 individuals have been taken into custody.

According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, fines exceeding 2 million rupees were imposed on 439 individuals for various violations, while 36 people were issued warnings. The major contributors to smog include 27 cases of crop residue burning, 327 violations involving smoke-emitting vehicles, and 6 instances of industrial violations. Additionally, 11 cases were recorded against brick kilns, along with 6 other environmental violations.