Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the immediate suspension of all construction sites, roadworks, and development projects that fail to comply with environmental SOPs. The move is part of the government’s urgent strategy to combat the province’s escalating smog crisis and improve air quality.
Aurangzeb warned the Private Schools Association that strict action will be taken against any schools opening before 8:45 a.m., emphasizing that early morning activity exacerbates exposure to dense smog. She also issued a health advisory for children, the elderly, and patients, urging them to stay indoors between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m. — the hours when pollution levels are most severe.
The minister highlighted significant progress in curbing crop residue burning, crediting drone surveillance for helping authorities enforce bans more effectively. Punjab, she said, is transitioning toward a climate-resilient model through strict environmental regulations and a zero-tolerance stance on pollution from construction, vehicles, and plastic waste.
To ensure compliance, night patrols have been intensified by Assistant Commissioners, Police, and Agriculture Department teams, while green zones across the province have been mapped for continuous monitoring. The government has also activated a centralized system to track environmental violations in real time, underscoring its commitment to sustainable urban management and public health protection.
