Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, has long struggled with severe smog during the winter months. This challenge is compounded by factors such as burning crop residue, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollution. However, the Punjab government has made significant strides in tackling smog and promoting environmental sustainability. The focus has been on addressing the key causes of air pollution and creating a healthier environment for everyone in the province.
The Punjab government has led the way in encouraging the use of modern farming machinery to reduce stubble burning, one of the main contributors to smog. The introduction of equipment like Super Seeders, Mulchers, and Kubota machines has helped farmers incorporate crop residues back into the soil. This improves soil health and reduces the amount of pollutants in the air. Financial support, including Rs. 15 billion through the Kisan Card scheme, has made these technologies more accessible to farmers, helping them reduce smog and increase crop yields.
In addition, the government has embraced new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart drones, to monitor and reduce air pollution. These tools enable real-time air quality monitoring, making it easier to identify pollution hotspots and take appropriate action. The use of AI represents a major step forward, and it is something the Punjab government and other provinces can utilize to monitor remote locations, manage tourism, and reduce pollution in hard-to-reach areas. This is a remarkable initiative the Punjab government has taken under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
When smog levels reached dangerous highs, the Punjab government acted quickly to protect public health. It made wearing masks mandatory for essential workers, such as traffic police and sanitation workers, to protect them while working outdoors. Anti-smog guns were also introduced in cities like Lahore to spray fine mist and reduce airborne pollutants, leading to a 70% drop in pollution in some areas.
The government also recognized the importance of collaboration with neighboring regions to combat smog. Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, discussions were initiated with the Indian Punjab government to work together on tackling shared air pollution problems. This “smog diplomacy” approach demonstrates a progressive stance towards international environmental cooperation.
To improve sanitation and further reduce pollution, the Punjab government launched the ‘Suthra Punjab’ (Clean Punjab) initiative in December 2024. This programme includes over 21,000 cleaning machines and waste-collection vehicles, along with monitoring control rooms and a public engagement app. With a budget of Rs. 120 billion, this initiative has created over 100,000 jobs and has improved cleanliness and public health across the province.
In July 2025, the Punjab government set up the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to strengthen environmental regulations. PERA is responsible for ensuring industries follow environmental rules, removing illegal constructions, and enforcing pollution control laws. This authority reflects the government’s commitment to holding both businesses and the public accountable for maintaining good air quality.
I’ve personally experienced the frustrations of traveling between Islamabad and Lahore for work, while my family stayed in Lahore because of my children’s schooling. The Friday evening drives were exhausting, as I would often get stuck on the motorway and GT Road for hours. Not only was it tiring, but it was also hazardous, especially with the health risks posed by smog. I genuinely hope future travelers don’t have to face the same struggles that I went through.
It wasn’t just the travel that was impacted. Smog has negatively affected the health of many people, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. Frequent visits to hospital, unnecessary expenses on medication, and a decline in health due to poor air quality have become a part of daily life for many. I hope the government’s efforts will help future generations avoid these challenges.
A good example of success in dealing with smog comes from Beijing, China. In the past, Beijing was one of the most polluted cities in the world. However, the Chinese government took a decisive action by moving heavy industries, encouraging the use of public transport, and installing air purifiers. These steps have helped reduce smog levels significantly. In India, Delhi has made progress with the odd-even vehicle scheme and promoting the use of electric vehicles. Similarly, cities like Seoul and Tokyo have made great strides in reducing pollution by investing in cleaner technologies and enforcing strict emissions standards.
The Punjab government has shown a strong commitment to tackling the problem of smog by combining technology, regulations, health initiatives, and cross-border cooperation.
Although challenges remain, the government’s approach and long-term vision have laid a solid foundation for a cleaner, healthier future for the people of Punjab. Just like Beijing, Delhi, Seoul, and Tokyo, efforts like these, if sustained and expanded, can lead to cleaner air and a better quality of life for everyone.
While these steps are a commendable start, we must recognize that results will not come overnight. The fight against smog is a gradual process, and while we may not see an immediate change, the Punjab government’s ongoing commitment, coupled with the implementation of more innovative solutions, offers great hope. By learning from successful initiatives worldwide and continuing this momentum, there is no doubt that within the next few years, we could see a significant reduction, if not the eradication, of smog in Punjab. This is just the beginning, and with sustained effort, the future looks promising for a cleaner, healthier Punjab.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The writer is an expert on institutional development, finance and governance