By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: As Punjab’s anti-smog and environmental protection initiatives gain momentum under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Executive Committee Member Rana Muhammad Nisar has praised the government’s ongoing efforts but emphasized the need for broader inclusion to ensure long-lasting impact.
Read also: Pakistani SMEs struggle to make their mark in exports: Insights from Rana Muhammad Nisar
Rana Nisar appreciated the launch of electric green buses and the introduction of 150 electric smoke guns across key areas of the province, saying the government’s proactive approach is a welcome step toward cleaner air and sustainable urban transport. He added that the coordination of loader trucks, rickshaws, heavy debris cranes, and local unions reflects a practical and collective effort to address Punjab’s environmental challenges.
However, he stressed that while posh areas are visibly benefiting, the poorer and inner-city localities still suffer from scattered garbage, clogged drains, and unattended waste piles. “That’s where the real change must begin,” Nisar said. “If we want a cleaner and healthier Punjab, our policies must equally focus on low-income neighborhoods that have long been neglected.”
He pointed out that garbage remains stuck and scattered at several points in the city despite ongoing cleanup operations. He urged the local administration to ensure consistent and transparent waste collection and disposal systems across all zones.
Rana Nisar lauded Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin for actively collaborating with various departments to improve air quality index levels, noting that the province has already seen slight improvement due to combined efforts. “The momentum created by the Punjab government must continue,” he said. “If sustained, this drive could transform the province into a true model for environmental reform.”
He also highlighted the importance of involving the business community in the green transformation process. “The business sector is a key stakeholder in this fight against pollution,” he noted. “Taking them on board will ensure practical, scalable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.”
Rana Muhammad Nisar concluded that Punjab’s ongoing anti-smog campaign is a step in the right direction, but true progress will come only when every neighborhood, rich or poor, breathes cleaner air.
About the Author
