Helena Joyce
Punjab, Pakistan's most populated province, has been battling hazardous levels of air pollution, with smog shutting down life in the city of Lahore. The government has taken several measures to combat this crisis, including closing schools, offices, and public spaces, shutting down factories, and even resorting to artificial rain. The Punjab Environmental Protection Act 2023 aims to mitigate air pollution by imposing restrictions on vehicle emissions, burning solid waste, and crop residue burning. The Regional Transport Authority has formed special squads to take action against vehicles emitting smoke, and the government has started a scheme to provide electric motorcycles to students. Additionally, the PGC's Make Pakistan Green campaign has planted over 2.5 million trees, and their “Go Green initiative has powered two universities entirely with solar technology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 241.5 million |
| Road network | Over 500,000 km |
| Main source of harmful pollutants | Vehicle exhaust emissions |
| Action taken by Regional Transport Authority | Formed two special squads to take strict action against vehicles emitting smoke |
| Action taken by Chief Minister and Government of Punjab | Started a phased scheme to provide electric motorcycles to students |
| Number of e-motorcycles distributed in the first phase | 8,000 |
| Aim of phase II | Roll out 100,000 e-motorcycles |
| Action taken by authorities | Cracked down on many sources of pollution, including cars, trucks, brick kilns, and plastic-melting plants |
| Action taken by the Lahore government | Closed schools, public spaces, factories, and the motorway between Lahore and Islamabad |
| Action taken by the Punjab government | Declared smog a "health crisis", used artificial rain, and extended school closures in major cities |
| Action taken by PGC | Launched the "Make Pakistan Green" campaign, aiming to plant as many trees as possible |
| Achievement of PGC's "Make Pakistan Green" campaign | Planted over 2.5 million trees across Punjab |
| PGC's Go Green initiative | Powered two universities fully by solar technology |
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What You'll Learn
Transition to electric vehicles
Pakistan's Punjab province is taking several measures to reduce smog and vehicle emissions, which are the main sources of harmful pollutants in the region. One of the key initiatives is the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to combat the country's severe air pollution and high dependency on imported fossil fuels for transportation.
The Pakistani government has implemented a National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP) to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and stimulate investment in the industry. This policy includes incentives such as lower taxes for manufacturers, assemblers, and suppliers in the EV sector, with a 1% GST for EVs compared to 17% for regular vehicles. The import duty for charging equipment has also been reduced to 1% to encourage the development of the necessary infrastructure.
The transition to electric vehicles is expected to have multiple benefits for Pakistan. Firstly, it will help reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas, where vehicle emissions contribute significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM10 emissions. Secondly, EVs can reduce noise pollution and improve the overall urban environment. Additionally, the EV industry has the potential to boost the economy by saving foreign exchange, creating jobs, and enabling related industries to grow through technology transfers.
To support this transition, the UNEP Clean Fuels and Vehicles Programme works with public and private entities to promote the adoption of cleaner technologies and vehicle emission standards. The Regional Transport Authority has also formed special squads to take strict action against vehicles emitting smoke, confiscating documents and impounding motor vehicles with exhaust emissions beyond approved limits.
Furthermore, the Government of Punjab has initiated a scheme to provide electric motorcycles to students, aiming to replace petrol-powered bikes. Over 8,000 e-motorcycles were distributed in the first phase, with a target of 100,000 for the second phase. This initiative is designed to reduce the region's reliance on fossil fuels for transportation and address air pollution.
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Ban substandard fuels
Pakistan's Punjab province has been suffering from severe smog pollution, which has disrupted the lives of millions and caused a public health crisis. The government has taken some measures to address this issue, but more needs to be done to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce air pollution and protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially children.
One crucial aspect of Punjab's roadmap to reducing smog and vehicle emissions is banning substandard fuels. The province's Environmental Protection Department has identified vehicle exhaust emissions as the primary source of harmful pollutants, and the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 2023 includes provisions to prohibit substandard fuels and ban smoke-emitting vehicles. This is a significant step towards mitigating air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health.
The act imposes immediate penalties on businesses violating these rules, with fines of up to US$3,500. By banning substandard fuels, Punjab is sending a clear message that it is committed to improving air quality and tackling the harmful effects of vehicle emissions. This move is in line with global efforts to reduce sulphur content in fuels, which has been a significant contributor to pollution. Developed countries have successfully improved fuel quality, and the world community has set targets for sulphur reduction in fuels, aiming for ultra-low sulphur levels of 10-15 ppm by 2030.
Pakistan has made some progress in this direction by recently adopting Euro-II standards, which permit 500 ppm of sulphur. However, this is still significantly higher than the levels in developed countries and even some developing nations. Southeast Asian countries, for example, have adopted low sulphur fuel standards of 50 ppm or less. Pakistan can benefit from transitioning to cleaner fuels, not only to reduce smog and pollution but also to improve the efficiency of its vehicles. Advanced vehicles today produce only one-fiftieth of the pollution of older cars, and the adoption of cleaner fuels can help Pakistan catch up with international standards and improve its environmental footprint.
In conclusion, banning substandard fuels is a critical step in Punjab's fight against smog pollution. By enforcing the use of cleaner fuels, the province can reduce vehicle emissions, improve air quality, and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. This measure demonstrates Punjab's commitment to environmental protection and its alignment with global efforts to mitigate climate change and its impacts.
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Impose restrictions on crop burning
Punjab, Pakistan's second-largest city, has been suffering from severe smog, which has disrupted the lives of its citizens and put their health at risk. The poor air quality in Pakistan has been linked to a reduction of 4.3 years in the average lifespan of its citizens. One of the major contributors to this air pollution is crop burning, which is a common practice in Punjab's wheat-rice belt, constituting over 80% of its cropped area. Each winter, an estimated 3.6 to 5 million tons of rice residue is burned to make way for the next wheat crop, exacerbating the smog problem in Punjab.
To address this issue, the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 2023 has been implemented, which includes restrictions on crop residue burning. The act aims to mitigate and prevent air pollution in the province. However, the effectiveness of this act has been limited due to challenges in policy implementation and a lack of viable alternatives for farmers. To fully impose restrictions on crop burning, a multi-level approach is necessary.
Firstly, the government should provide increased support for sustainable agricultural practices. This includes exploring innovative farming techniques, such as zero-tillage methods, and providing subsidized equipment and technical assistance to farmers through programs like the Mechanised Management of Rice Crop Residue program. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, the government can reduce the reliance on crop burning.
Secondly, there should be stricter enforcement of the regulations and penalties for crop burning. While the Punjab government has introduced policies and regulations, including a Clean Air policy and smog rules that prohibit crop burning, the lack of a cohesive roadmap has hindered enforcement. Strengthening the regulatory framework and ensuring inter-departmental collaboration can improve the effectiveness of these measures.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in reducing crop burning. Educating farmers about the negative impacts of crop burning on the environment and public health can help encourage the adoption of alternative practices. Providing information about sustainable alternatives, such as the use of bio-decomposers that turn crop residue into manure, can empower farmers to make more environmentally friendly choices.
Finally, economic incentives and market-pull solutions can be introduced to discourage crop burning. Innovative approaches, such as residue markets and eco-system payments, can address equity concerns while promoting green energy production. By creating economic opportunities for farmers who adopt sustainable practices, the transition away from crop burning can be accelerated.
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Plant more trees
In Pakistan's Punjab province, air pollution or smog has become a pressing issue, particularly in the city of Lahore, which has ranked among the world's most polluted cities. In November 2024, smog blanketed large areas of the province, causing illness in nearly two million people. The situation has forced the closure of schools, offices, and public spaces, as well as restrictions on outdoor activities and operating hours for restaurants, shops, and markets.
To combat this issue, the provincial government of Punjab has launched a mass tree plantation drive, aiming to plant 634,000 trees in Lahore. This initiative recognizes the crucial role that trees play in reducing air pollution. By absorbing carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, releasing oxygen, and filtering out particulate matter through their leaves and roots, trees act as natural purifiers of the air.
The tree plantation campaign in Lahore, as stated by Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, is essential to ending air pollution and mitigating extreme heat. She envisions a "wall of trees" along the Ravi River, providing fresh oxygen and clean air to the citizens. As of February 2025, 105,000 trees have already been planted on 144 acres of land near the river.
The choice of tree species is also important. Recent research suggests that tiny hairs on plant leaves play a significant role in trapping solid and liquid particles that make up particulate matter. Therefore, when selecting trees for the campaign, it is crucial to consider the local and environmental nuances to ensure the chosen species align with the specific needs of the area.
Additionally, the Punjab government has implemented other measures to reduce smog and vehicle emissions. They have started a phased scheme to provide electric motorcycles to students, replacing petrol-powered bikes, and the Regional Transport Authority has formed special squads to take strict action against vehicles emitting excessive smoke. These initiatives aim to reduce the province's reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality.
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Use renewable energy
Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, has been grappling with hazardous levels of air pollution, with smog shutting down life in the region. The government has taken several measures to combat this issue, including the distribution of electric motorcycles to students and the formation of special squads to monitor and take action against vehicles emitting excessive smoke. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.
One of the key strategies to mitigate smog pollution in Punjab is to transition to renewable energy sources. This involves reducing the province's heavy reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, which has been identified as a major contributor to harmful vehicle exhaust emissions. By embracing renewable energy alternatives, Punjab can significantly decrease its carbon footprint and improve air quality.
The shift towards renewable energy can take various forms. Firstly, the province can promote the wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) beyond just motorcycles. Incentives such as subsidies or tax breaks can be offered to individuals and businesses to encourage the purchase and use of EVs, including electric cars, buses, and trucks. This will help reduce the number of smoke-emitting vehicles on the roads, which are a primary source of pollution.
Secondly, Punjab can invest in renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power. The province can establish large-scale renewable energy farms and plants, harnessing the abundant natural resources of the region. This will not only reduce the province's dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation but also create new, sustainable job opportunities for its residents. Additionally, the government can provide subsidies or incentives for households and businesses to install solar panels or wind turbines on their properties, further increasing the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Another strategy is to focus on energy efficiency initiatives. This can include implementing energy-saving measures in buildings, such as the use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting, as well as improving insulation and sealing to reduce energy loss. Industries and businesses can also be encouraged to adopt more energy-efficient practices and technologies, reducing their overall energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
Finally, public awareness and education about renewable energy and its benefits are crucial. The government, together with organizations like UNICEF, can launch informative campaigns to teach the public about the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change and improving air quality. By empowering individuals with knowledge and providing them with resources, they can make more sustainable choices in their daily lives, contributing to the collective effort to reduce smog pollution in Punjab.
By embracing renewable energy and implementing these strategies, Punjab, Pakistan, can take significant steps towards reducing smog pollution, protecting the health and well-being of its residents, and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Smog is caused by a combination of fog and air pollutants such as Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, smoke, and other particles in the air. In Punjab, vehicle emissions have been identified as the main source of harmful pollutants. Other sources include industrial emissions, brick kilns, and the burning of trees, agricultural lands, crops, and stubble.
Smog can cause a range of health issues, particularly for infants, teens, the elderly, outdoor workers, and people with respiratory problems. In Punjab, Pakistan, the smog has led to hospitalizations, with millions reporting breathing problems and other respiratory issues.
The Government of Punjab has taken several measures to address the smog issue, including implementing the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 2023, which prohibits substandard fuels and bans smoke-emitting vehicles. The Regional Transport Authority has formed special squads to take action against vehicles emitting smoke. The government has also promoted the use of electric motorcycles and closed schools, offices, and public spaces during periods of severe smog. Additionally, the Punjab Group of Colleges has launched initiatives such as the "Make Pakistan Green" campaign, which aims to plant trees and raise awareness about the causes and preventive measures for smog.
Individuals can take several measures to protect themselves from smog, including limiting their time outdoors and avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high smog levels. Wearing masks can also help reduce the inhalation of harmful pollutants.
