CM Maryam Calls for Public Backing to Achieve Pollution-Free Punjab
LAHORE: In a bold initiative to promote a greener and healthier Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has kickstarted the 'Zero Plastic, Zero Pollution' campaign.
This pioneering venture, spearheaded by the government, private schools, offices, and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) throughout the province, seeks to educate the public on the hazards of plastic usage — a threat to their wellbeing. During the campaign, youth and children will be our focus, as they're sensitized about plastic contributing to air pollution and deadly diseases like cancer. The young minds will be encouraged to embrace eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags and paper products over plastic. EPA officers reveal that excessive use of plastic bags, even by government and private offices, should be avoided[1].
To celebrate World Environment Day, CM Maryam encouraged tree plantation activities as well. In her special message, she urged the youth to evolve into a sustainer of our environment — a national responsibility we all share. Highlighting the significance of the Zero Plastic Campaign, she asserts, "This isn't merely a single-day affair; rather, it's about transforming our daily routines and lifestyles for a greener and cleaner Punjab"[2].
The campaign shows progress beyond expectations, with CM Maryam spearheading a symbolic march featuring participants carrying "Zero Plastic" and "Zero Pollution" posters[5]. Punjab has also made history by forming an Environment Protection Force, making it the first province in Pakistan to do so[4]. As part of broader anti-pollution strategies, Punjab has implemented its first climate policy and action plan, which includes an environmental endowment fund worth Rs15 billion to foster environmental sustainability start-ups and businesses[3].
Moreover, a plastic management cell has been established to enforce a ban on single-use plastic. The registration of plastic manufacturers and sellers is now an online process[3]. To curb air pollution, 50 air quality monitoring stations have been set up across the province, and millions of vehicles have undergone emission testing to reduce vehicle-related pollution[3]. Thousands of youth participate in raising awareness about pollution under the Climate Leadership and Development Internship Programme[3]. Lastly, Punjab utilizes modern technologies such as drones and satellite monitoring for environmental surveillance[4].
copyright Business Recorder, 2025
- The 'Zero Plastic, Zero Pollution' campaign, driven by the government and various organizations, extends its reach into environmental science, emphasizing the harmful effects of climate-change due to plastic usage, and promoting sustainable living as an alternative lifestyle choice.
- As part of her commitment to creating a sustainable future, CM Maryam encourages home-and-garden transformations, urging the public to switch to eco-friendly products like cloth bags and paper products over plastic, aligning with the goals of the environmental-science movement.
- With the establishment of the Environment Protection Force, Punjab embarks on a new journey in home-and-garden practices, promoting sustainable living and combating climate-change by providing financial support to entrepreneurs pioneering environmental sustainability start-ups and businesses, marking a significant step in the environmental-science realm.
