Punjab govt takes significant steps to address environmental challenges: Marriyum Aurangzeb

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Punjab government has taken a series of major steps to tackle smog and address environmental degradation across the province, aiming to improve air quality and strengthen environmental governance.

Speaking at a World Environment Day ceremony in Lahore, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the provincial government has carried out unprecedented work in the environmental sector over the past two years.

She stated that smog control and environmental protection have been prioritized through both regulatory enforcement and modern monitoring systems.

According to her, the government has focused particularly on industries and brick kilns, which are among the major contributors to air pollution.

The minister highlighted that environmental control systems have been installed in more than 9,000 industrial units across Punjab to reduce harmful emissions and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

These systems are designed to monitor and limit pollutants released into the atmosphere from industrial activity.

In addition, she said that QR codes have been introduced at over 14,000 brick kilns. These codes allow authorities to track and verify kiln operations, ensuring that environmental regulations are being followed and helping to curb illegal or non-compliant practices.

Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that these measures are part of a broader government strategy to combat smog, protect public health, and promote sustainable environmental practices across the province.

She added that continued efforts are being made to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for long-term improvement in air quality.