LAHORE: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the provincial government has implemented a series of unprecedented measures to combat air pollution and control smog across Punjab, including the launch of an AI-based air quality forecasting system.
Addressing a press briefing, Aurangzeb said air quality monitors have been installed throughout Punjab to track pollution levels in real time. “For the first time in history, emergency measures have been taken to eliminate smog,” she said, adding that the government is actively working to improve the Air Quality Index (AQI) of all major cities, including Lahore.
Highlighting last year’s severe smog situation, the minister recalled that construction activities were halted and primary schools were closed to protect public health. “This year, the Punjab government is better prepared and more proactive,” she said, emphasizing that smog control is being handled through coordinated efforts by WASA, LDA, EPA, and other agencies.
She also revealed that air pollution is being tackled through the use of smog guns, and that all kilns causing pollution have been demolished or upgraded. “No smoke is coming out of any kiln in Punjab now,” she asserted. “A total of 11,374 kilns have been digitized with QR codes to ensure compliance.”
The minister added that 5,000 super seeders and 841 crop harvesters are operating in the province to prevent stubble burning – a major contributor to smog. “So far, crops on 3.4 million acres have been harvested, while 6.4 million acres are left,” she noted.
Fuel testing has also begun in Multan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad to monitor fuel quality, while 3,947 construction sites have implemented measures to control fugitive dust.
Comparing Punjab’s progress to international benchmarks, Aurangzeb remarked, “It took China two decades to eliminate smog, but Punjab is making rapid progress with innovative technology and strong policy enforcement.”
She praised the province’s strategic approach, saying, “Thanks to our effective planning, we did not have to impose a lockdown this year.”