Lahore: The Punjab government has announced a ban on the production of petrol-run motorcycle rickshaws as part of a broader plan to reduce air pollution and protect public health across the province. The decision was approved by the Punjab cabinet’s anti-smog committee, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during a special meeting on Thursday.
Under the phased plan, the government will gradually end the manufacturing of petrol-run motorcycles, while all government departments will now purchase electric or hybrid vehicles and e-motorcycles. The committee also imposed a ban on washing vehicles at home and directed the installation of colour-coded waste bins in line with international standards.
Officials said that practices harmful to the environment, including burning plastic and other toxic materials, will be strictly monitored and penalized. Public-private workshops will be established to continuously test vehicle emissions and ensure compliance with pollution standards.
The committee was briefed on ongoing initiatives to improve air quality in Punjab, including the Air Quality Monitoring Network with 41 operational sensors across 18 districts, with an additional 100 sensors planned by next year. Satellite and drone monitoring has already led to an 88% reduction in crop residue burning in Lahore and surrounding areas.
Punjab’s first Eco Chatbot, a mobile app, and a public dashboard have been launched to provide environmental updates, while the Smog War Room at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority monitors pollution 24/7. The province has also tested 300,000 vehicles under its emission-testing program.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a smog and fog alert, warning that cities including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur are at high risk. Authorities have been directed to enforce anti-smog protocols and take legal action against violators.
According to AQI data, Lahore remains the second most polluted city globally, with readings classified as “very unhealthy.” Other major cities, including Sialkot, Gujranwala, Multan, and Bahawalpur, also recorded dangerous pollution levels.
The government said these measures are part of a long-term strategy to reduce smog, promote cleaner vehicles, and improve environmental standards across Punjab.
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