Prime Minister Imran Khan has stated that a long-term environmental preservation plan is critical to combating pollution, particularly in major cities.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while presiding over a meeting in Islamabad on the country’s pollution problems. According to the office of the Prime Minister, “In line with our manifesto, clean and pollution-free Pakistan is our top priority, and long term measures should be taken to deal with the climate change-related issues.”
According to the Prime Minister, the administration is concentrating on increasing the green cover of our cities through huge plantations.
He has also asked the competent agencies to develop a policy, in collaboration with the provincial governments, to take all necessary efforts to protect major cities from pollution as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister’s directions come as heavy smog blankets Lahore, which alternates with New Delhi for the title of the world’s most polluted city. Lahore was ranked 2nd on the list on Tuesday, with an air quality rating of 181.
The Punjab government said on Monday that all private offices and educational institutions in the city will be closed on Mondays, including Saturdays and Sundays, till January 15.
The Punjab government had previously been ordered by the Lahore High Court (LHC) to send a notification to private offices in Lahore to reduce staff attendance by half. The LHC also requested a traffic strategy, instructing authorities to establish an emergency helpline for individuals experiencing traffic problems.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has formed a five-member anti-smog squad made up of the following representatives:
- Police.
- City administration.
- LESCO,
- WASA.
- MCL.
Their mission is to conduct weekly inspections of all industries in Lahore and to prosecute those who break the law.
