Lahore: Punjab Police’s ongoing initiative to combat smog has led to a reduction in pollution levels, Dr. Usman Anwar. This development comes as a result of targeted actions across Lahore and the province, which, over the past 24 hours alone, saw 51 cases registered and 33 arrests made.

According to Punjab Police, fines amounting to over 8.88 million rupees were levied on 533 violators, with 29 individuals receiving warnings. The violations included 20 related to the burning of crop residues, 437 concerning vehicles emitting excessive smoke, four linked to industrial activities, seven by brick kilns, and one at other locations. The anti-smog crackdown has so far led to the arrest of 2,900 individuals and the registration of 3,510 cases this year. Fines totaling over 93.1 million rupees have been imposed on 36,812 violators, and warnings have been issued to 6,619 individuals.

The Punjab Police’s measures have also resulted in the issuance of challans to 5,930 vehicles emitting excessive smoke in the last day, with 670 vehicles impounded and the fitness certificate of one vehicle suspended. Over the current year, challans have been issued to 818,318 vehicles, with 166,771 vehicles impounded and 10,050 fitness certificates suspended. Dr. Usman Anwar has called for a continuation and acceleration of these efforts, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy against violations of smog standard operating procedures on highways, in industrial areas, agricultural zones, and other locations.