Punjab Government Cracks Down on Smog-Causing Vehicles, Driver Licenses Suspended

The Punjab government, under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, has intensified the smog control crackdown in Lahore. The City Transport Officer (CTO) announced that drivers of vehicles emitting excessive smoke will have their driving licenses suspended. Commercial vehicle permits may also be revoked. Measures include restricting entry of uncovered trolleys, dumpers, and dust-laden vehicles into the city. During the current fiscal year, over 114,378 vehicles were fined for smoke emissions, 1,401 cases were registered, and 53,599 vehicles were penalized for carrying uncovered soil, sand, or waste. Fitness inspections were enforced on 188,374 dilapidated vehicles, while AI-assisted monitoring is being used to track polluting vehicles. The government emphasized zero tolerance against air pollution to protect public health.