LAHORE: Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb delivered a stark warning about the dangers of plastic use, calling it a “death sentence” for the environment and public health.
During a news conference, she urged people to vow against using plastic, highlighting that it cannot be recycled and emits toxic gases that cause disease and death.
Aurangzeb emphasized the widespread usage of plastic in everyday life and its negative influence on health and the environment.
To reduce pollution, she said that plastic manufacture in Punjab has been banned and that no industry is now producing plastic bags, and she promised that harsh action will be taken against those who violated the prohibition.
Addressing the issue of smog, Aurangzeb admitted that, while smog originates in India, local industry accounts for 70% of the problem.
The government is committed to combating smog through various measures, including a crackdown on tire burners and the approval of a solid waste management plan.
She also mentioned that Punjab’s Chief Minister has subsidized the first batch of environmentally friendly initiatives, such as the introduction of e-buses and a new transit system across the province.
She said these amendments to the Motorway Ordinance will require all vehicles to obtain a fitness certificate before being allowed on the road, aiming to reduce vehicular emissions.
