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Each winter, Punjab is covered in the suffocating smoke of smog – an issue that halts daily life, hinders economic work, and causes many breathing problems. For many years, people have suffered through this yearly problem without much expectation of help.

However, this year is expected to be distinct. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Government has introduced a detailed plan to tackle the issue. Guiding this significant initiative is the province’s energetic and proactive Senior Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, whose vigor and knowledge have injected fresh momentum into Punjab’s environmental policies.

Marriyum Aurangzeb’s dedication to environmental conservation is neither recent nor superficial. Prior to entering politics, she spent almost ten years with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan), holding high-ranking positions and leading various international initiatives. With this experience, she brings not only political influence but also a unique combination of technical knowledge and global insight—exactly what Punjab needed to tackle its deteriorating air quality issue. When Punjab faced the smog season last year, the situation was critical. There was no real-time data, no monitoring system, no enforcement agency, and no digital infrastructure to support environmental decision-making. The province was operating without guidance. Just a little over a year later, the situation has changed dramatically. Punjab now has a fully operational monitoring system, an Environmental Protection Force, advanced surveillance technologies, and an integrated eco-management framework where each department has clear responsibilities and measurable goals. This change provides concrete hope that the province will see a notable reduction in smog levels this winter.

Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz and with the vigilant oversight of the Senior Minister, the government has initiated focused measures to reduce emissions from three-wheelers, motorcycles, and rickshaws—major sources of PM 2.5 pollution. Industrial emissions are now subject to more rigorous controls, supported by digital inspection mechanisms. A referral refund scheme has been implemented along with a significant electric bus initiative, which involves purchasing 1,100 electric buses using a $300 million fund. These buses are already in service on routes in major urban areas, marking a clear move towards sustainable public transportation. Furthermore, a buyback program for outdated two- and three-wheelers has been introduced, promoting the adoption of cleaner, electric options by residents.

For the first time, environmental responsibility has been integrated throughout the administrative structure. Every department—ranging from Transport, Agriculture, Local Government, Housing, and Energy to Health and Environment—now utilizes its own dashboards to monitor performance. These are connected to a central command center within the Planning and Development Department (P and D), enabling real-time oversight, swift action, and responsibility.

Agricultural burning, which was once the main cause of smog, is now being addressed through strict enforcement and new solutions. Some violators have been arrested, while educational programs are informing farmers about eco-friendly methods. Central to this change is the ‘Super Seeder’ technology, which removes the necessity for burning crop residue. Rather than setting fields on fire, the machine cuts the leftover plant material and blends it into the soil, acting as organic fertilizer. To date, 4,870 Super Seeders have been handed out, aiming for a total of 5,000, with the target expected to be reached in a few weeks. For the 2025-26 period, the plan is to distribute an additional 5,000 units, covering the entire Lahore division, where wheat is harvested four times annually.

To manage the burning of crop residue, real-time monitoring stations have been established in partnership with the Agriculture Department. These stations monitor fires and immediately notify enforcement teams. The department has demonstrated outstanding performance by employing data-based approaches to detect hotspots, conduct awareness programs, and maintain adherence to regulations.

Earlier, smog management was reactive and scattered – mainly involving short-term school shutdowns or FIRs against factories. Now, for the first time, Punjab has implemented a sector-specific and comprehensive approach where each department plays its part within its responsibilities. All these advancements have been achieved thanks to the steadfast determination and tireless efforts of Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, Punjab has introduced Pakistan’s first-ever Environmental WhatsApp Chatbot — a pioneering tool for empowering citizens. This service allows residents to quickly check Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, get smog alerts, weather updates, and health recommendations — a groundbreaking combination of AI technology and environmental management. Until last year, Punjab had only two non-working monitors (donated by JICA in 2007). Now, there are 41 fully functional air quality monitors, with 100 more planned, and four mobile monitoring units providing real-time data across districts. Punjab has also implemented anti-smog gun technology in major urban areas to reduce particulate matter and enhance local air quality.

A province-wide initiative for drain cleaning and rehabilitation is being implemented, with collaboration among various departments. Road maintenance and water super-nickling projects have been incorporated into the Lahore Development Plan, now progressing at an unprecedented speed. The PHA and WASA have pinpointed smog ‘hotspots’ for focused tree planting campaigns, including extensive greening along the Lahore Ring Road. These actions are part of a larger strategy to reduce AQI levels in key areas through continuous afforestation.

In the energy sector, Punjab is witnessing swift growth in its solar and biogas projects. A program focused on zero emissions promotes the installation of solar panels on both public and private structures, while biogas initiatives seek to offer more environmentally friendly energy options for industries and homes. Regarding health, departments have, for the first time, connected smog data with hospital analysis. Health Advisors now provide early alerts to hospitals one or two weeks prior to smog peaks, enabling proactive medical preparedness. A detailed health survey has also been carried out, identifying disease patterns and shaping policy for focused healthcare strategies.

The effectiveness of these unprecedented actions highlights the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the dedicated implementation by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Their partnership showcases a combination of strategic insight, environmental knowledge, and administrative creativity. Marriyum Aurangzeb’s leadership—rooted in experience, supported by data, and motivated by belief—has provided Punjab with a cause for hope. Her thorough, research-backed approach is transforming what was once an annual catastrophe into a model for climate resilience and effective governance.

This winter, Punjab is more ready than ever before – armed with data, technology, and resolve. For the first time, residents can feel more at ease, aware that their government isn’t merely responding to smog but rethinking ways to stop it. Under the guidance of Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the dedicated work combined with the exceptional knowledge of Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab’s battle against smog has transformed from a seasonal challenge into a continuous, intelligent, and scientifically driven movement for a cleaner, healthier future.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).