Latest news with #EnvironmentProtectionForce
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Wheat farmers offered Rs15b aid
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved then allocation of Rs15 billion for 550,000 farmers under a Wheat Support Fund. The wheat farmers will be given direct financial support through the Kisan Card. The chief minister announced a package for the sector, including exemption from irrigation tax for the wheat farmers during current year. Under the package, free Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) facility will be provided for four months for storage to protect wheat from climate change effects and farmers from market pressure. The farmers storing wheat under the system will get an electronic receipt, which can be given to a bank within 24 hours to obtain a loan of up to 70 per cent of the total cost. Markup on loans amounting to up to Rs100 billion obtained from the Bank of Punjab by flour mills and 'green licence' holders for wheat purchase will be funded. It has been decided that approval will be sought from the cabinet for immediate and mandatory purchase of wheat by flour mills and the licence holders. Wheat storage up to 25 per cent of the total capacity has been made mandatory. It has also been decided that the federal government will be contacted for the export of wheat and its products. The Bank of Punjab will provide financing to the private sector for the renovation and construction of warehouses for wheat. The Punjab government will pay the markup of Rs5 billion to provide storage facilities to the wheat farmers. The ban on transportation of wheat and flour at provincial and district borders has been lifted. The chief minister expressed her firm resolve to not let farmers suffer any loss. She said, "If any farmer has cultivated wheat, then he will get full compensation for it." Environmental squads Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also attended the first passing out parade of the Environment Protection Force. She also launched an Environmental Approval Management System and an Emission Testing System for vehicles. After going through checking under the Emission Test System, she also got affixed the first ETS sticker to her vehicle. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said an e-bike squad of the Environment Protection Force will work as an eco-friendly unit. A 'green squad' will work for anti-plastic campaign, dust and dengue control in the urban areas. A 'blue squad' of the force will strive to protect water bodies and a 'black squad' will work for vehicle fuel testing and against toxic fumes. A 'red squad' o the force will work to prevent harmful substances in the industrial areas and hospitals. A 'Hawk Eye Squad' will conduct environmental surveillance with 360-degree live camera vehicles and 11 thermal drones that can see in the dark. A special Urban Patrolling and Vigilance Squad will work to prevent environmental hazards. The Brick Kiln Squad will monitor the kilns on eight double cabin vehicles. The Point Source Pollution Monitoring Squad will monitor environmental pollutants. A strict check will be kept on air quality in the relevant areas through a Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Station.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab CM launches Environment Protection Force
Listen to article Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday inaugurated the province's first dedicated Environment Protection Force, marking a major step in Pakistan's environmental governance. The launch ceremony in Lahore featured the passing out parade of the newly formed force, attended by senior officials, ministers and dignitaries. The Chief Minister also introduced two key environmental systems — the Environmental Approval Management System and the Emission Testing System — aimed at improving pollution control and regulating vehicle emissions. CM Maryam Nawaz personally inspected a vehicle and applied the first official emission testing sticker to symbolically launch the system. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb briefed attendees on the operational framework of the new force, which has been structured to tackle a wide range of environmental issues across Punjab. The force is divided into specialised units focused on combating plastic waste in cities, controlling dust and dengue, protecting water resources, monitoring emissions, and overseeing industrial and hospital waste management. In a symbolic gesture, the chief minister hoisted the flag of the Environment Protection Authority and announced the provision of 25 hybrid vehicles and 200 electric bikes to the new force. The fleet is expected to improve operational efficiency while promoting clean transport initiatives. Additionally, 360-degree surveillance vehicles, thermal drones and mobile air quality stations have been introduced for real-time environmental monitoring. In her address, Maryam Nawaz called the establishment of the force a milestone in the province's fight against environmental hazards and a reflection of the government's long-term commitment to creating a safer, greener Punjab.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Govt spends millions on petrol-hybrid cars for 'eco-force'
For more than a decade, Lahore has choked under a thick blanket of smog and air pollution. But successive governments seem more focused on polishing their green credentials than making a real difference. Continuing this trend, the newly formed Environment Protection Force aims to lead by example in a city where most commercial and private vehicles still run on petrol, with no proper emissions monitoring. Its solution? Patrolling the streets and conducting inspections in 25 gleaming hybrid carspurchased at a staggering cost of Rs 250 million, funded under the World Bank Green Program. To give the government the benefit of the doubt, some might call it a step in the right direction. But that argument quickly falls apart when most commuters in the city can barely afford an electric motorbike, let alone an eco-friendly car. The new force, however, will have access to 250 electric motorbikes, along with modern inspection equipmentincluding tablets and instruments for gas and water analysispurchased for an additional Rs 300 million, funded by the provincial administration. According to figures gathered by The Express Tribune, Lahore, Punjab's capital, has 7.5 million registered vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and taxis. An overwhelming 99% run on petrol, making them a major contributor to the city's persistently unhealthy air quality. As of April 2, Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 100 to 166, placing it in the 'unhealthy' category for much of the day. During the first two days of the month, PM2.5 levels varied between 6090 µg/m³more than four times the 24-hour safe limit set by the World Health Organization. So, can the new environment protection force, with its fleet of hybrid cars, make a difference? Environmental experts say no. Even those familiar with vehicle mechanics see little benefit in adding 25 hybrid cars to the Environment Protection Force when the vast majority of vehicles on Lahore's roads still run on petrol. "If the government was serious about environmentally friendly transport, it should have gone for fully electric vehicles instead of hybrids, which still rely on fossil fuels," said Sunil Sarfaraz Munj, who runs PakWheels, the country's largest automotive website. "It's like preaching to others while not practicing it yourselfhybrids still have an engine and require fuel," he added. "If the government was serious about its 'Go Green Go' slogan, it should have committed to all-electric transport." Casting further doubt, Munj pointed out that if the aim was to cut emissions and set an example, the government could have saved money by opting for BYD's entry-level Atto 3, a more affordable electric vehicle from the Chinese manufacturer. Taking the auto expert's advice into account, The Express Tribune conducted a market survey. The latest entrant to Pakistan's electric vehicle market, BYD, has models priced between 9 million and 17 million rupeeswell beyond reach for most. Independent financial experts calculate the median monthly salary in Pakistan at Rs 70,700, making EV ownership a distant dream for the average consumer. That salary also puts electric bikespriced between Rs 140,000 and Rs 250,000out of reach. How deep is the Go Green promise? Environmental experts argue that the government is pushing its 'Go Green Go' slogan without focusing on concrete actions. For one, they say, the Environment Protection Force patrolling in hybrid vehicles will have little inspirational value if the average citizen can't afford the prohibitively expensive eco-friendly alternatives. More critically, they point out that for Lahore to see any real improvement in air quality, the provincial administration needs to take multiple, simultaneous stepsimproving urban transport, offering better connectivity, and providing incentives for the average commuter. Right now, they note, the system falls far short of meeting the needs of a city of 14.8 million people. Take Lahore's Metro-bus -- a fleet of 60 buses covering just 27 kilometers from Gajju Matah to Shahdara. Experts argue this is nowhere near enough to convince commuters to abandon their personal transport. Likewise, the Orange Line Metro Train, spanning 27.1 kilometers with 26 stations, needs a carefully planned expansion to cover more routes across the citysomething policymakers have yet to address. Without an effective public transport system, they cautioned, any other measures will do little to reduce the number of vehicles on the roadsmaking any meaningful reduction in emissions unlikely. Inspirational value When questioned about the costly purchase of hybrid vehicles for the newly formed Environment Protection Force, Punjab's Environmental Protection Agency Secretary, Raja Jahangir Anwar, defended the decision. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said that 250 electric motorcycles and 25 hybrid vehicles had been procured to inspect pollution-causing industrial units, factories, and brick kilns. "Since the province is moving toward zero emissions, it was essential to ensure that the vehicles used by the department were also environmentally friendly," he added. Environmental experts argue that without a significant shift in public transport, industrial regulation, and fuel quality, such measures will do little to control Lahore's worsening air pollution. Despite the provincial government's claims of progress toward net-zero emissionsand the establishment of a 'smog war room'Pakistan's most populous province remains a major contributor to the country's greenhouse gas emissions. While specific figures for Punjab are unavailable, its industrial output, vehicle emissions, and agricultural practices suggest it accounts for a significant share of the national total. Nowhere is this more evident than in the provincial capital, which, every winter for the past 15 years, has come to a grinding halt under a thick blanket of toxic smogat times competing with New Delhi for the dubious title of the world's most polluted city. Pollution mix According to a report by the Urban Unit of the Punjab Planning and Development Department, transportation accounts for 83% of Lahore's air pollution. Within this sector, motorcycles, scooters, and auto-rickshawsmany of them using two-stroke enginesare among the worst offenders. Making matters worse, low-quality fuel is widely available, exacerbating vehicular emissions and further deteriorating air quality. Industrial activity is another major contributor. Recent estimates suggest that factory emissions account for around 25% of Lahore's total air pollution. Combined with the transport sector, these emissions fuel the hazardous smog that frequently blankets the city. Climate Change Action Plan A review of Punjab's Climate Change Action Plan, unveiled last year, lays out ambitious targets: electric vehicle (EV) sales should reach 15% by 2030 and 20% by 2035. But experts caution that even if these targets are met, the overall impact on vehicular emissions is likely to be negligible. Under the 2024 plan, the provincial government aims for 60% of its energy to come from renewable sources and for EVs to account for 30% of vehicles on the road by the end of the decade. Dawar Hameed Butt, an environmental specialist, remains deeply sceptical. "While the renewable energy goal might reach 40-45% by 2030, the electric vehicle target is wildly unrealistic and may barely scrape 1%," he said. The fundamental issue, Butt argued, is the lack of infrastructure. Charging networks remain inadequate, and with EV adoption currently minimal, he sees little chance of rapid expansion in the coming years. Beyond electric cars, Punjab's transport woes are exacerbated by the lack of efficient options. Sani e Zahra, an urban planner based in Lahore, draws comparisons with cities such as Bogotá and Beijing, which have successfully built integrated, sustainable public transport systems. She urged policymakers to view public transport as a long-term investment rather than a tool for political gains. "Sustainable, well-planned transport solutions are crucialnot just for urban mobility but for improving quality of life," Zahra said.
Express Tribune
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Govt spends millions on petrol-hybrid cars for ‘eco-force'
For more than a decade, Lahore has choked under a thick blanket of smog and air pollution. But successive governments seem more focused on polishing their green credentials than making a real difference. Continuing this trend, the newly formed Environment Protection Force aims to lead by example in a city where most commercial and private vehicles still run on petrol, with no proper emissions monitoring. Its solution? Patrolling the streets and conducting inspections in 25 gleaming hybrid cars—purchased at a staggering cost of Rs 250 million, funded under the World Bank Green Program. To give the government the benefit of the doubt, some might call it a step in the right direction. But that argument quickly falls apart when most commuters in the city can barely afford an electric motorbike, let alone an eco-friendly car. The new force, however, will have access to 250 electric motorbikes, along with modern inspection equipment—including tablets and instruments for gas and water analysis—purchased for an additional Rs 300 million, funded by the provincial administration. According to figures gathered by The Express Tribune, Lahore, Punjab's capital, has 7.5 million registered vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and taxis. An overwhelming 99% run on petrol, making them a major contributor to the city's persistently unhealthy air quality. As of April 2, Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 100 to 166, placing it in the 'unhealthy' category for much of the day. During the first two days of the month, PM2.5 levels varied between 60–90 µg/m³—more than four times the 24-hour safe limit set by the World Health Organization. So, can the new environment protection force, with its fleet of hybrid cars, make a difference? Environmental experts say no. Even those familiar with vehicle mechanics see little benefit in adding 25 hybrid cars to the Environment Protection Force when the vast majority of vehicles on Lahore's roads still run on petrol. 'If the government was serious about environmentally friendly transport, it should have gone for fully electric vehicles instead of hybrids, which still rely on fossil fuels,' said Sunil Sarfaraz Munj, who runs PakWheels, the country's largest automotive website. 'It's like preaching to others while not practicing it yourself—hybrids still have an engine and require fuel,' he added. 'If the government was serious about its 'Go Green Go' slogan, it should have committed to all-electric transport.' Casting further doubt, Munj pointed out that if the aim was to cut emissions and set an example, the government could have saved money by opting for BYD's entry-level Atto 3, a more affordable electric vehicle from the Chinese manufacturer. Taking the auto expert's advice into account, The Express Tribune conducted a market survey. The latest entrant to Pakistan's electric vehicle market, BYD, has models priced between 9 million and 17 million rupees—well beyond reach for most. Independent financial experts calculate the median monthly salary in Pakistan at Rs 70,700, making EV ownership a distant dream for the average consumer. That salary also puts electric bikes—priced between Rs 140,000 and Rs 250,000—out of reach. How deep is the Go Green promise? Environmental experts argue that the government is pushing its 'Go Green Go' slogan without focusing on concrete actions. For one, they say, the Environment Protection Force patrolling in hybrid vehicles will have little inspirational value if the average citizen can't afford the prohibitively expensive eco-friendly alternatives. More critically, they point out that for Lahore to see any real improvement in air quality, the provincial administration needs to take multiple, simultaneous steps—improving urban transport, offering better connectivity, and providing incentives for the average commuter. Right now, they note, the system falls far short of meeting the needs of a city of 14.8 million people. Take Lahore's Metro-bus -- a fleet of 60 buses covering just 27 kilometers from Gajju Matah to Shahdara. Experts argue this is nowhere near enough to convince commuters to abandon their personal transport. Likewise, the Orange Line Metro Train, spanning 27.1 kilometers with 26 stations, needs a carefully planned expansion to cover more routes across the city—something policymakers have yet to address. Without an effective public transport system, they cautioned, any other measures will do little to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads—making any meaningful reduction in emissions unlikely. Inspirational value When questioned about the costly purchase of hybrid vehicles for the newly formed Environment Protection Force, Punjab's Environmental Protection Agency Secretary, Raja Jahangir Anwar, defended the decision. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said that 250 electric motorcycles and 25 hybrid vehicles had been procured to inspect pollution-causing industrial units, factories, and brick kilns. 'Since the province is moving toward zero emissions, it was essential to ensure that the vehicles used by the department were also environmentally friendly,' he added. Environmental experts argue that without a significant shift in public transport, industrial regulation, and fuel quality, such measures will do little to control Lahore's worsening air pollution. Despite the provincial government's claims of progress toward net-zero emissions—and the establishment of a 'smog war room'—Pakistan's most populous province remains a major contributor to the country's greenhouse gas emissions. While specific figures for Punjab are unavailable, its industrial output, vehicle emissions, and agricultural practices suggest it accounts for a significant share of the national total. Nowhere is this more evident than in the provincial capital, which, every winter for the past 15 years, has come to a grinding halt under a thick blanket of toxic smog—at times competing with New Delhi for the dubious title of the world's most polluted city. Pollution mix According to a report by the Urban Unit of the Punjab Planning and Development Department, transportation accounts for 83% of Lahore's air pollution. Within this sector, motorcycles, scooters, and auto-rickshaws—many of them using two-stroke engines—are among the worst offenders. Making matters worse, low-quality fuel is widely available, exacerbating vehicular emissions and further deteriorating air quality. Industrial activity is another major contributor Recent estimates suggest that factory emissions account for around 25% of Lahore's total air pollution. Combined with the transport sector, these emissions fuel the hazardous smog that frequently blankets the city. Climate Change Action Plan A review of Punjab's Climate Change Action Plan, unveiled last year, lays out ambitious targets: electric vehicle (EV) sales should reach 15% by 2030 and 20% by 2035. But experts caution that even if these targets are met, the overall impact on vehicular emissions is likely to be negligible. Under the 2024 plan, the provincial government aims for 60% of its energy to come from renewable sources and for EVs to account for 30% of vehicles on the road by the end of the decade. Dawar Hameed Butt, an environmental specialist, remains deeply sceptical. 'While the renewable energy goal might reach 40-45% by 2030, the electric vehicle target is wildly unrealistic and may barely scrape 1%,' he said. The fundamental issue, Butt argued, is the lack of infrastructure. Charging networks remain inadequate, and with EV adoption currently minimal, he sees little chance of rapid expansion in the coming years. Beyond electric cars, Punjab's transport woes are exacerbated by the lack of efficient options. Sani e Zahra, an urban planner based in Lahore, draws comparisons with cities such as Bogotá and Beijing, which have successfully built integrated, sustainable public transport systems. She urged policymakers to view public transport as a long-term investment rather than a tool for political gains. 'Sustainable, well-planned transport solutions are crucial—not just for urban mobility but for improving quality of life,' Zahra said.
