LAHORE: On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, authorities have made wearing masks mandatory due to increase in air pollution in Lahore.

The CM called for immediate action to combat the smog crisis, with instructions for strict enforcement of environmental regulations across all departments.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will monitor the emergency efforts to combat smog.

In recent actions to curb pollution, authorities contained over 2,500 vehicles emitting excessive smoke, sealed 469 polluting factories, and filed 318 FIRs related to crop remains burning.

Minister Aurangzeb urged public cooperation in this fight against pollution, stressing that every citizen’s role is vital to counter the smog especially given cross-border winds from India.

She announced clear targets for each department and zero tolerance for non-compliance.

Smoke-emitting vehicles and factories will be challaned, and an emergency traffic plan will be implemented in Lahore to reduce smog’s impact.

The senior minister said citizens can report black smoke violations by calling 1373. The six-month plan will be strictly enforced.