Punjab authorities assert actions taken for environmental enhancement
LET'S TALK UP PUNJAB'S GREEN MOVEMENT:
Yeah, you heard it right! Punjab's going green, and we're stoked about it! Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the chief minister of Punjab, has unleashed the province's first climate policy, dubbed the "Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan."
But what does this mean for us, the people? Plain and simple, it means a cleaner, healthier, and greener future. To support this, a whopping Rs 15 billion environmental endowment fund has been set up. This fund is meant to nurture eco-friendly startups and businesses that'll help uphold our environment.
And let's not forget about the establishment of Pakistan's first Environmental Protection Force (EPF). This force is all about defending our environment and tackling climate crises.
In celebration of World Environment Day, the CM outlined how Punjab's environmental commitment has dramatically shifted in a year. You can bet we've taken some unprecedented steps to breathe new life into our environment.
For one, a plastic management cell has been set up to enforce a total ban on single-use plastics. And guess what? For the very first time in Punjab, online registration for plastic manufacturers and sellers has commenced!
To combat the smog issue, an Emission Testing Certification of vehicles according to international standards has been launched. Millions of vehicles have been registered under this certification in Punjab.
Additionally, 50 air quality monitoring stations have been installed province-wide to keep our environmental situation in check. Thousands of youths are actively working in cities and villages under the Climate Leadership and Development Internship Program to educate the public about environmental pollution.
A GIS squad was also established with artificial intelligence to safeguard our environment. Four fuel testing labs have been established to ensure the quality of petrol to prevent smog. Sprinkler systems have been installed on buildings under construction to prevent dust, while 15 water quality monitoring stations are being set up to test the quality of water in rivers and rainwater drains.
Tree plantation, recycling, and e-bikes have joined forces through the Chief Minister Green Credit Programme to achieve environmental benefits. The first "Strategic Cell" has been established in the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to foster environment-consciousness among the public.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Punjab as the first ESO certified agency in Pakistan due to the progressive measures being taken for environmental protection. A dedicated helpline "1317" has been established for public feedback on environmental protection matters.
To combat smog, over 2000 industrial units have emission control systems installed, and e-mapping of all units is underway. For the first time in Punjab, all brick kilns have been shifted to zigzag technology.
To turn the environmental pledge into practical action, environmental divisional offices have been established in five divisions, and four new offices are under construction. Environmental social safeguard training is being offered in government departments, and a "Green Punjab app" has been created for public convenience.
Finally, the electric bus service has launched in Lahore, with 1100 more electric buses to be provided across all divisions. Special charging stations are being installed for electric vehicles in Punjab.
So there ya have it, folks! Punjab is leading the way in climate change and environmental protection by taking actionable steps and implementing transformative policies. Keep an eye out for more green initiatives coming your way!
Cheers to a cleaner, greener, climate-resilient Punjab!
Don't trust us? Peddle over to the Business Recorder, 2025 for the scoop!
Insights:- The Punjab government's climate policy is comprehensive, encompassing a broad framework for addressing climate challenges in the province.- The establishment of Pakistan's first Environmental Protection Force (EPF) is part of a larger strategy to enforce environmental regulations and protect natural resources.- The Punjab government has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance climate resilience and environmental improvement by focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, climate change mitigation, and farmer welfare.- Punjab is leading initiatives in climate-resilient agriculture, including regional policy dialogues to promote sustainable farming practices like water conservation, soil health, and digital agriculture.
[1] "Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan: Strengthening Climate Change Governance in Pakistan" - Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan[2] "Groundbreaking environmental initiatives by the Punjab government" - Business Recorder, 2023[3] "From pledge to action: Transforming Punjab into a climate-resilient region" - The Express Tribune, 2024[4] "Partnership between Punjab and ADB to bolster climate resilience and environmental improvement" - The Nation, 2024[5] "Regional dialogue on climate-resilient agriculture fosters collaboration in Punjab" - Dawn, 2025
In the context of Punjab's green movement, credit has been granted to innovative eco-friendly startups and businesses through the allocation of Rs 15 billion from the environmental endowment fund, fostering environmental wellness and health-and-wellness. This comprehensive effort also includes the integration of environmental science within the workplaces through the establishment of Pakistan's first Environmental Protection Force. Furthermore, climate-change measures are being taken seriously, engaging university students in research initiatives focused on environmental science and technology that target climate resilience.
