Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has officially launched Punjab’s first-ever smog control policy to reduce environmental pollution effectively. The new policy coordinates multiple government departments under a unified approach, directly addressing rising smog levels across the province.
This announcement came from Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Punjab, during an event marking International Forests Day. The ceremony was organized by the Forest Department in Tehsil Sharqpur (Dahana), Sheikhupura.
Kirmani emphasized that planting trees isn’t just beneficial—it’s everyone’s duty. He criticized previous governments for failing to act decisively against smog, notably pointing out the shortcomings of the PTI government’s “Million Tree Tsunami” project. Kirmani also highlighted the Agriculture Department’s significant contribution, including distributing 5,000 super seeders at a subsidized rate (Rs. 5 billion), aiming to end the harmful practice of crop residue burning.
Minister for Law & Communications, Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth, praised the active participation of schoolchildren in afforestation efforts. He encouraged young students to plant and care for trees at home and school. Bharth further acknowledged the Communication & Works Department’s commendable decision to allocate 1% of its total budget specifically toward tree plantation and suggested other departments adopt similar practices.
During the event, Special Secretary Forests, Captain Tahir Zafar Abbas, revealed important government initiatives. The Forest Department has allocated 973 acres of fertile land along the Ravi River to farmers, providing seeds for vegetable cultivation and ensuring a stable water supply through 34 newly installed tube wells. Additionally, Abbas shared that in the past two months alone, 500,000 trees were planted in Dahana, with an additional 18,000 planted on the event day itself.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished officials, including Provincial Assembly members Rana Tahir, Pir Ashraf Rasool, Atiya Iftikhar, Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura Shahid Imran Marth, DPO Bilal Sheikh, and Assistant Commissioner Sharqpur Anam.
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