Latest news with #ImranHamidSheikh
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Express Tribune
CCTV surveillance of industrial chimneys ordered
The Punjab Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has announced a province-wide crackdown on industries operating without adequate emission monitoring systems. Punjab Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh has unveiled a plan to enforce real-time surveillance of industrial emissions through mandatory CCTV camera installations. Addressing a meeting with stakeholders, he declared that no industrial unit in Punjab will be allowed to operate without effective monitoring mechanisms in place. "Industries will no longer function unchecked. We are initiating a massive crackdown across Punjab to regulate emissions and ensure that environmental laws are strictly followed," he stated. Under the new directive, all industries operating boilers and furnaces will be required to install high-definition CCTV cameras on their chimneys to monitor emissions. The cameras will provide live monitoring access to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Lahore, enabling real-time oversight of smoke emissions. The technical specifications for these surveillance systems have been outlined in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Two categories of cameras have been proposed as a primary option, industries are advised to install four-megapixel cameras known for their superior night vision and 360-degree coverage. As a secondary alternative, eight-megapixel fixed bullet cameras have been suggested, offering high-resolution fixed-angle monitoring. "These cameras will be strategically positioned to focus directly on emission outlets, ensuring that any unauthorised release of pollutants is immediately detected," DG Sheikh explained. He emphasised that the surveillance feeds will be integrated into the EPA's central monitoring system, enabling swift action against violators. The EPD has set a compliance deadline of August 31 for all industries to complete the installation of CCTV cameras as per the prescribed standards. Non-compliance will attract strict legal action under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, in addition to Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which pertains to disobedience of official orders. "This is not merely a policy announcement; it is a decisive enforcement measure. Industries that fail to comply within the given timeline will face severe penalties, including potential closures and legal proceedings," warned the DG. The initiative is part of Punjab government's strategy to combat worsening air quality levels, largely attributed to unchecked industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and urbanisation. Over the past few years, smog and particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala have reached hazardous levels, prompting urgent regulatory interventions. According to EPD officials, the new surveillance regime will significantly enhance the department's ability to monitor emissions round the clock, addressing the previous challenges where industries often circumvented inspections by operating furnaces during non-peak monitoring hours. The live feed will serve as evidence against violators. The decision has received a mixed response from the industrial sector. While some industry representatives have expressed concerns over the financial burden of installing high-end surveillance equipment, environmental advocacy groups have lauded the move as a long-overdue step towards sustainable industrial practices. "This directive is a breakthrough in environmental governance. For too long, industries have exploited regulatory gaps. Real-time monitoring will ensure accountability and transparency," remarked a spokesperson from the Clean Air Punjab initiative, a coalition of environmental activists and civil society organisations. The EPD has also announced plans to conduct seminars and technical workshops for industry stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the policy. These sessions will educate industrial operators on the technical requirements and environmental obligations under the new surveillance framework. DG Imran Hamid Sheikh asserted, "Pollution is not just an environmental issue; it's a public health emergency. The time for leniency is over. We are determined to ensure that every industrial stack in Punjab is monitored, and polluters are held accountable." The environmental protection department has also sought cooperation from the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) to integrate industrial surveillance data with the urban air quality monitoring systems, enhancing the province's capacity to respond to environmental hazards in real-time.
Business Recorder
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
EPD bans operations of units lacking monitoring mechanism
LAHORE: In a significant move to curb industrial pollution, the Punjab Environment Department (EPD) on Wednesday announced that no industrial unit in the province will be allowed to function without monitoring mechanisms in place. As part of the new enforcement strategy, the installation of CCTV cameras have been made mandatory for all industries operating boilers and furnaces. These cameras will specifically monitor industrial chimneys (stacks) to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. According to the order issued by the DG Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh, Rule 4 of the Punjab Environmental Protection (Smog Prevention & Control) Rules, 2023, provides standard operating requirements whose compliance is obligatory upon industrial units. One of the said standard operating requirement mentioned in the said rule is installation of online access through CCTV cameras for emission control monitoring system in air pollution causing industrial units for live monitoring of the industrial unit. The order referring to the technical specifications of such surveillance cameras issued by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) said that all the industrial units, having boilers and furnaces, operating in Punjab shall install CCTV cameras with the technical specifications according to the PITB guidelines by August 31, 2025. According to DG Environment, the surveillance footage will be accessible live at the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Lahore, allowing real-time monitoring of emissions. Two camera types have been proposed: 4MP PTZ Starlight IR cameras as the preferred option, and 8MP fixed bullet cameras as an alternative. 'The cameras will be focused on the points of smoke emissions to ensure strict oversight,' said Imran Hamid Sheikh. The order said that industrial units shall share all necessary information with the focal person of EPA Punjab for the said purpose to ensure online access through CCTV cameras for emission control monitoring system in air pollution causing industrial units for live monitoring of the industrial units. Industries across Punjab have been given a deadline of August 31, 2025, to comply with the new directive. Failure to do so will result in legal action under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997 and Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code 1860, the DG warned. The move signals a tougher stance by the provincial government on environmental compliance and aims to tackle air pollution and industrial emissions that have been contributing to deteriorating environmental conditions in Punjab, said the spokesperson of the EPA. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Over 321kg of banned plastic bags seized
The Punjab Environment Protection Agency has confiscated 321,582kg of plastic bags under 75 microns since a ban imposed by the provincial government on June 5. As per official data, teams of the department have conducted 143,354 inspections across the province. EPA squads conducted 136,961 raids and confiscated 249,485kg of plastic bags, of which 6,393 raids were conducted in the provincial capital and 72,097kg of plastic bags were seized. Punjab EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh told the Express Tribune that recognising the growing need to control the production and use of plastic products, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had decided to ban the bags from June 5. The chief minister has instructed the environment department to monitor all registered premises to ensure that no production unit violates the rules by producing single-use low-micron plastic bags. Additionally, the department will conduct vigilance operations to ensure that no plastic bag production unit is left unregistered. A Plastic Management Information System (PMIS) has also been launched since December for the registration and licensing of plastic businesses all over Punjab. The DG said 556 producers, consumers, collectors and recyclers had been registered through the PMIS. The data showed that special squads of the Environment Protection Force have confiscated 47,065kg of banned bags in Multan, 30,474kg in Rawalpindi, 13,110kg in Faisalabad, 6,536kg in Gujranwala, 11,780kg in Sargodha, 10,606kg in Bahawalpur, 8,012kg in Sahiwal, 7,460kg in Sheikhupura and 3,705kg in Kasur. Banned plastic bags weighing 9,987kg were seized in Mandi Bahauddin, 8,130kg in Sialkot, 5,868kg in Gujrat, 5,204kg in Dera Ghazi Khan, 4,271kg in Toba Tek Singh, 4,068kg in Lodhran, 3,827kg in Jhang, 3,313kg in Narowal, 3,024kg in Muzaffargarh, 2,891kg in Okara, 2,886kg in Pakpattan, 1,826kg in Minawali and 5,899kg in Vehari. In Nankana Sahib, 5,656kg of banned bags were seized, Hafizabad 5,328kg, Attock 5,012kg, Bahawalnagar 4,743kg, Layyah 4,647kg, Khanewal 3,764kg, Rahim Yar Khan 3,604kg, Chakwal 3,516kg, Jhelum 2,879kg, Chiniot 2,529kg, Rajanpur 2,064kg, Khushab 1,734kg, Kot Adu 1,541kg, Bhakkar 1,307kg, Phoolnagar 874kg and Murree 341kg. Environment Protection and Climate Change Secretary Silwat Saeed said an initiative of inviting all businesses and organisations to take part in the Plastic-Free Punjab Pledge Campaign will result in more effective ways to stop banned single-use plastic items.
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Punjab extends deadline for vehicle emissions testing
LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) has extended the deadline for vehicle emissions testing in Lahore from June 30 to August 31, 2025, following a surge in public response at testing booths across the city. Director General of Punjab EPA, Imran Hamid Sheikh, said the decision was taken to accommodate the growing number of vehicle owners rushing to comply with the regulation. He noted that the extension would help reduce long queues and ensure smoother implementation of the emissions control program. According to EPD spokesperson, Sajid Bashir Ahmad said more than 123,000 vehicles have been tested over the past 50 days. Out of these, around 2,000 vehicles were found to be emitting pollutants beyond permissible limits. The owners of these vehicles were issued warnings and instructed to take corrective measures. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Punjab extends vehicle emission testing deadline to August 31
Listen to article The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the deadline for vehicle emission testing until 31 August, providing motorists with additional time to meet environmental standards. The original deadline of 30 June was pushed back due to an overwhelming response at testing booths, according to Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the EPA Punjab. "The extension is intended to facilitate the public and ensure a smoother testing process," he added. In the past 50 days, over 123,000 vehicles have undergone testing across the province. Among them, approximately 2,000 vehicles were found to be emitting pollutants beyond acceptable limits. Owners of these vehicles have been issued warnings and advised to make necessary repairs or tune their engines to reduce emissions. Read: Smoke emitting vehicles' owners given 15 days deadline Emission testing is a scientific procedure that measures the levels of toxic gases and particulate matter released from vehicle exhausts. Key pollutants assessed during testing include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). If a vehicle fails the test, the owner is instructed to take corrective action. According to DG EPA, vehicles manufactured in 2022 or later are exempt from testing as they comply with modern Euro emission standards and come with in-built emission control technologies. As per statistics obtained from the Punjab Excise Department, the province has 20m registered motorcycles and five million four-wheeled vehicles, with Lahore alone accounting for 5.2m motorcycles and 1.3m four-wheeled vehicles. The EPA has urged vehicle owners to utilise the extended timeline to contribute to cleaner air. Free testing booths have been set up across Punjab, including 20 locations in Lahore, where motorists can have their vehicles tested without any additional fee. This initiative is part of Punjab's broader strategy to combat air pollution, particularly in Lahore and other urban areas where air quality has become a significant public health concern. Read more: Govt launches National Electric Vehicle Policy In a separate development, a few days ago, the Government of Pakistan launched the New Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), which aims to stimulate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, stated that the policy is designed to ensure a just and inclusive transition to cleaner mobility. The initiative also seeks to reduce the country's dependency on fossil fuels, encourage local innovation, and create new green jobs. "The government is stepping up efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a key part of the country's clean energy and climate resilience agenda," Shaikh remarked. With the transport sector being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution, the shift towards EVs marks a significant move towards a more sustainable, healthier, and economically viable future. The NEVP aligns with the broader strategy to combat air pollution, especially in urban centres like Lahore, where air quality continues to be a serious concern.
