Punjab steps up green agenda as Maryam pushes anti-plastic, anti-smog measures

• CM Maryam Nawaz orders expedited work on province's first Environment Observatory

• Calls for collective action on environment, climate challenges in World Environment Day message

• Vows crackdown on substandard plastic bags, environmental violations to continue

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday reaffirmed her government's commitment to combating plastic pollution and improving environmental sustainability, directing authorities to expedite work on the province's first Environment Observatory Project as Punjab marked World Environment Day.

In a special message issued on the occasion, the chief minister urged citizens to plant more trees and help protect natural resources, while expressing satisfaction over the significant reduction in fog and the overall improvement in environmental conditions witnessed during the past year.

She also commended Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her team for their efforts in bringing about notable environmental improvements in Lahore and other parts of the province, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to ensure the early completion of the region's first Environment Observatory Project and ordered the continuation of legal action against the manufacture, sale and use of substandard plastic bags.

“The Earth is a beautiful planet, and it is our collective responsibility to take every possible measure for its protection and survival,” she said, adding that sustainable and effective measures against environmental pollution and smog were producing encouraging results.

The chief minister said Punjab had become the first province in the country to develop an early-warning capability for environmental pollution. She noted that the province's first state-of-the-art Air Quality Forecast System was monitoring air pollution indicators across Punjab, while the first-ever “Environment Wall” was operating round the clock to oversee environmental institutions and activities.

She said legal action was continuing against vehicles emitting excessive smoke, brick kilns, crop residue burning and other violations of environmental laws.

To curb smog, she added, 30 modern fog guns were being effectively deployed, while additional smog-control equipment was being procured for Lahore and other cities.

Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan initiatives

Maryam Nawaz said plantation drives were continuing across the province under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan initiatives to ensure long-term environmental improvement.

“Our religion and moral values also teach us cleanliness and environmental protection. Effective measures to improve the environment are essential for the survival of future generations,” she said, stressing the need for collective efforts to conserve water, energy and other environmental resources.

The chief minister said World Environment Day provided an important opportunity to raise awareness about nature conservation, pollution reduction and the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Appealing to the public, she said: “Let us pledge to abandon plastic and work together for the protection of our environment.”

CM Commends security forces over successfully Panjgur operation

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised security forces for successfully carrying out an operation in Panjgur in which six terrorists were eliminated.

She paid tribute to the personnel involved for their professionalism, bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country and its citizens.

The chief minister said the nation remained resolute in protecting the lives and property of its people and ensuring the complete eradication of terrorism. She reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until lasting peace and security were achieved.

Separately, Maryam Nawaz expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of four people who were run over by a car in Pakpattan.

She extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for them in their time of grief.

The chief minister also sought an immediate report from the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sahiwal on the incident and directed the authorities concerned to arrest those responsible without delay and ensure the strictest legal action against them.