Pakistan
Punjab CM Naqvi takes decisive measures to combat smog
The caretaker Punjab chief minister issues directives to the Inspector General of Police and Secretary Transport for a continued and effective crackdown on vehicles emitting smoke.
Lahore: In light of the prevailing smog conditions, it has been decided that educational institutions in Punjab will not observe a holiday on Wednesday this week.
A special meeting focusing on anti-smog measures was convened today at the Chief Minister's Office, presided over by Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, with the participation of provincial ministers.
During the meeting, it was unanimously agreed, based on an improvement in the air quality index, that Wednesday will not be declared a holiday. Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued directives to the Inspector General of Police and Secretary Transport for a continued and effective crackdown on vehicles emitting smoke. He emphasized the need for relentless action against brick kilns and factories that contribute to smog.
Factories emitting excessive smoke and engaged in the burning of tires will face immediate closure. The Chief Minister instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to take robust measures against the burning of crop residues. Swift action will also be taken against those found selling substandard fuel. District administrations were further instructed to ensure continuous watering of roads. Additionally, covering of sand and gravel, along with regular water sprinkling, will be mandatory for construction activities.
Emphasizing legal action against activities contributing to smog, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi mandated all relevant departments to implement effective measures for controlling the air quality index. Provincial Ministers SM Tanveer, Dr. Javed Akram, Amir Mir, Mansoor Qadir, Dr. Jamal Nasir, Bilal Afzal, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, Advisor Kunwar Dilshad, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Additional Chief Secretary, Secretaries of Agriculture, Health, Finance, Environment, Communication and Works, Transport, Local Government, School Education, Industry, Commissioner Lahore Division, and environmental experts were among the participants in the meeting.
CM Naqvi visits Central Jail Kot Lakhpat:
In a surprise visit, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi arrived unannounced at Central Jail Kot Lakhpat, catching both the administration and jail authorities off guard. He personally visited the male and female prisoners' barracks, engaging with them to understand their concerns and challenges.
Chief Minister Naqvi took part in the ongoing Milad celebration in Barrack No. 9, offering prayers alongside the incarcerated individuals. He promptly called his staff to address the prisoners' immediate issues. Notably, he directed for free eye surgeries upon the prisoners' request, and instructed the establishment of a specialized medical camp within the jail premises to cater to their healthcare needs.
During their interaction, the prisoners shared details of their cases with the Chief Minister. Responding decisively, he directed the Inspector General of Police, Advocate General Punjab, and CCPO Lahore to conduct a personal review of these cases. Additionally, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi ensured compliance with legal requisites by ordering the transfer of a prisoner from Lahore to Gujrat Jail.
Moved by the accounts of elderly women prisoners, Chief Minister Naqvi offered comfort and reassured them that every effort would be made to uphold justice in their cases. He vowed to personally oversee their cases, assuring them of fair treatment. The Deputy Commissioner and SSP are slated to visit the Investigation Jail to directly address the concerns of female prisoners.
Moreover, steps are in motion to facilitate the release of inmates who have completed their sentences. Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi underscored the importance of providing top-tier healthcare, including necessary medicines, to prisoners afflicted with various illnesses in the prison hospital. He also inspected the ambulances stationed within the prison premises, ensuring they were fully equipped and operational.