CM Maryam hails historic smog reduction, pledges stronger action in 2026

• Punjab CM says 2025 marks significant reduction in smog and in environmental protection

• Over 81,000 inspections, 7,900 notices, and Rs192 million fines mark intensified enforcement

• Cities including Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Mandi Bahauddin record cleaner air

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday highlighted 2025 as a year of remarkable improvement in air quality, citing the success of environment-friendly initiatives undertaken by the provincial government, according to a handout issued by the Punjab DGPR.

Under her focused leadership, Lahore recorded a significant drop in the Air Quality Index for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, while Punjab emerged as the top-performing province in environmental protection, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

According to official data, average particulate matter (PM) levels across Pakistan fell by 8.7 percent, with Punjab achieving a substantial 33.2 percent reduction. Environmental enforcement also intensified, with over 81,000 visits and more than 113,000 inspections carried out during 2025. Authorities issued over 7,900 notices, sealed thousands of industrial units, registered more than 2,300 FIRs, and imposed fines exceeding Rs192 million. In addition, over 419,000 kilograms of hazardous materials were confiscated.

Strict monitoring of brick kilns, factories, and construction sites, along with the installation of over 2,200 water recyclers and mist sprinklers, helped reduce particulate matter levels in Lahore from 102 to 89. The deployment of anti-smog guns, action against crop residue burning, and 67 active water bowser units for rapid response further contributed to cleaner air.

Other cities also recorded improvements: Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, and Mandi Bahauddin saw better air quality indicators. Rawalpindi, in particular, ranked among the cleanest major cities, with PM2.5 levels dropping below 50.

For the first time, a comprehensive anti-smog strategy integrating modern technology, digital monitoring, and field enforcement was implemented. Key measures included transitioning brick kilns to zig-zag technology, vehicle emission testing, stricter control of construction activities, and quick-response units to curb crop burning incidents.

Commending the Environmental Protection Agency and all relevant departments, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed confidence that Punjab is on the path to becoming a model province in environmental protection, pledging that 2026 will surpass last year’s achievements.

CM Expresses Grief Over Children’s Death in Kasur

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of three children caused by a wall collapse due to rain in Kasur. She extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in similar incidents caused by collapsing walls and roofs.

Maryam Nawaz also directed the administration to conduct a comprehensive survey of dilapidated buildings and take necessary precautionary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

CM Takes Notice of Power Outage at Services Hospital

In a separate development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of a reported power outage in the emergency operation theatre of Services Hospital, where a surgery was allegedly performed using a mobile phone light.

Expressing serious concern, the CM has sought an immediate report from the Health Department to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability.