Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb made the announcement during a press conference, stating that cleaning Punjab’s environment is a key part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision. As part of the government’s environmental efforts, a province-wide "Plant for Pakistan" campaign has been launched to combat pollution.
She shared that the Horticulture Authority has initiated a tree plantation drive with the aim of increasing Punjab’s green cover. “We’re not making empty claims like the previous government’s so-called ‘Billion Tree Tsunami’—every tree we plant is tracked and mapped,” she said. Modern Australian-style environmental technology is also being installed and will be fully operational this year.
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Maryam Aurangzeb also announced the creation of a technology-based fire control force in Punjab, with oversight provided by the Bank of Punjab. She emphasized the government’s commitment to reclaiming illegally occupied forest land and expanding protected forest areas.
The minister encouraged residents of Lahore to take part in the plantation drive by calling 1399, through which they can receive a plant delivered right to their doorstep — a gift from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
She further stated that 300,000 trees will be planted along the Lahore Ring Road. Air quality in Lahore has been a growing concern for the past decade, but under the current government, tangible steps are being taken to address it. Seven air quality monitors have already been installed as part of Punjab’s air quality monitoring system.
Maryam Aurangzeb urged citizens to plant as many trees as possible, noting that better air quality and reduced smog are only achievable through collective effort.
In a major eco-friendly move, she added that those who replace traditional lights with LED bulbs will receive carbon green credits. Most notably, individuals converting petrol motorbikes into electric bikes will receive a Rs100,000 cash incentive from the Punjab government — a strong push toward greener transportation in the province.
