What is the Punjab government doing to address air pollution?

The Punjab government has placed the environment at the center of the province's development agenda, implementing a comprehensive Clean Air Framework that includes measures like a extensive air quality monitoring network, AI-powered smog forecasting, and the deployment of high-capacity mist cannons to suppress fugitive dust.

How is the Punjab government enforcing its environmental reforms?

The province has established the Environmental Protection Force, a team of 250 new officers on electric bikes equipped with body cameras, to provide a human face to enforcement backed by digital proof. This force is supported by a network of quick response centers and AI-linked CCTV feeds, enabling the province to close 96% of citizen complaints.

What is the Punjab government doing to address stubble burning?

The province is addressing stubble burning, once seen as an intractable cultural habit, through a combination of technology, incentives, and surveillance. Satellite-based fire anomaly alerts, subsidized super seeders, and interest-free loans for modern harvesters have led to a significant reduction in open burning, with over half a million acres now harvested through low-emission means.

Home / Environment / Punjab's Pioneering Environmental Reforms: From Smog Monitoring to Citizen Engagement

Punjab's Pioneering Environmental Reforms: From Smog Monitoring to Citizen Engagement

14 Nov

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Summary

Extensive air quality monitoring network of 75 stations with 10 mobile units
AI-powered smog forecasting allows authorities to prepare for crises
Deployment of 15 high-capacity mist cannons to suppress fugitive dust

As of November 14th, 2025, the province of Punjab in Pakistan has embarked on a pioneering environmental transformation, placing the issue at the heart of its development agenda. Under the leadership of the chief minister and the coordination of the chief secretary, the province has implemented a series of innovative reforms to tackle its long-standing air pollution crisis.

At the core of this effort is a robust environmental monitoring system. Punjab, which had just three functional air quality monitoring stations in 2007, now operates 75 stations with 10 mobile units roaming hotspot districts. By the end of 2025, the province will have 25 more stations, creating the most extensive environmental monitoring network in the country. This comprehensive data collection has enabled the development of an AI-powered model that can now predict seven-day smog patterns, allowing authorities to prepare for crises before they peak.