LAHORE (Dunya News) – In an effort to combat the growing smog problem, the Punjab government has made it mandatory for public transport vehicles to have fitness certificates before they can operate on the roads.
This decision was announced by Punjab's caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir during a press conference.
The minister emphasised that public transport vehicles would no longer be permitted on the roads without a valid fitness certificate.
Mir also highlighted the ongoing efforts of various government departments and institutions to raise public awareness about the issue of smog. He acknowledged that the smog situation had improved compared to the previous year.
The minister pointed out that traffic wardens had taken strict measures against vehicles emitting excessive smoke and imposed fines for violations.
Punjab caretaker Education Minister Mansoor Qadir, who accompanied Information Minister Amir Mir, clarified that schools would only be closed in the event of a significant deterioration in air quality.
He assured the public that schools would not be closed every Wednesday, but rather, the situation would be assessed weekly. The decision to declare a holiday would be based on the prevailing air quality conditions, with the primary concern being the well-being of children, he added.
During the press conference, Punjab's caretaker minister, Ibrahim Murad, disclosed that a red alert had been issued in the meeting.
He mentioned that the deputy commissioner would soon issue an order to lower transportation fares following a reduction in the prices of petroleum products.