Punjab has announced a historic plan to ban the production of petrol-powered motorbikes and rickshaws, marking a major step toward environmental reform and cleaner air across the province.
The decision was made during a special cabinet meeting on anti-smog measures chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, approving a phased, structured ban on petrol motorbike production.
Under the new policy, only electric and hybrid vehicles, including electric motorbikes, will be allowed for government use, while car washing at homes is now banned to conserve water province-wide.
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Strict penalties will be imposed on burning plastic or other hazardous materials, and authorities will enforce zero tolerance against individuals or businesses causing environmental damage, with smoke-testing conducted through public-private partnership workshops.
Punjab has also established its first Air Quality Monitoring Network, including an AQI Forecast System, 41 active sensors across 18 districts, and 100 more planned next year for early smog detection and real-time air assessments.
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Additional initiatives include smog guns, drone surveillance of crop burning, a Quick Response Centre, a dedicated task force, 8,500 CCTV cameras in key areas, and Pakistan’s first eco-chatbot and public air quality dashboard