Inflation drops under PMLN govt, claims Marriyum

LAHORE:Under the PMLN government, a remarkable reduction in inflation, with the rate dropping from 35pc to 4.9pc, took place which has positively impacted people’s lives. Additionally, interest rates have also decreased, said Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, while addressing a press conference regarding climate change and anti-smog initiatives here on Thursday.

She congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team for the significant economic progress achieved in the last nine months. She emphasised that under the PMLN government, the country has always progressed, with successful public relief projects under way.

The CM has assigned targets to the Deputy Commissioners and police for monitoring essential commodities. She asserted that no other administration has matched public relief measures of PMLN.

Regarding smog, Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the exemplary work led by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif over the past eight to nine months, including a 10-year multi-sectoral anti-smog plan introduced by the Punjab government. Measures such as demolishing 1,094 brick-kilns, monitoring through drone technology, and closing 219 industrial units have been undertaken to combat smog. Industrial units have been provided with financial and technical support to adopt eco-friendly systems, including interest-free loans for 80 units. Moreover, for the first time, 10,784 vehicles in Lahore have been clamped for emitting excessive smoke.

Farmers have received 1,000 super seeders on a 60pc subsidy to promote environmentally friendly agriculture. Factories on Diwan Road, Gujranwala, have been equipped with smoke control devices, while 39 out of 56 rice mills in Kasur have installed dry scrubbers.

The senior minister also announced provision of gas analysers to private workshops, subsidised at 80pc, as part of the government's private sector initiatives. The senior minister stated that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now oversee transport monitoring, with dedicated squads ensuring compliance. Government departments have been directed to repair all smoke-emitting vehicles by January 30, or they will face action. Fifteen air quality monitors have been installed in Lahore, with a target of 60. As part of the eco-friendly transition, 400 electric buses will be introduced in Lahore, with 27 buses arriving by January, and plans for 52 lakh motorbikes to be shifted to electric.

Marriyum Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to media, stakeholders, and industries for their cooperation in reducing smog. She noted a 38pc reduction in smog compared to last year but warned of potential increases due to upcoming fog following forecasted rains. Efforts to enhance fuel quality through newly established labs and regular industrial inspections are underway.

The Punjab government has initiated discussions on school bus services, carpooling, and better transport management with school administrations and traffic police. Annual planning for the smog season, involving all stakeholders, is in progress. Transparency in vehicle certifications is being ensured through QR codes, and plans are in place to relocate industries from central Lahore to designated zones with proper facilities.

Marriyum Aurangzeb concluded by stating that these environmental challenges require collective efforts, and significant improvements in air quality management are expected in the coming weeks.

Later, a meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb resulted in several key decisions aimed at curbing smog and improving environmental conditions across Punjab. She emphasised that in line with CM’s vision, an effective monitoring system will be established to ensure comprehensive implementation of these initiatives.

Key measures include upgradation of private workshops, a first for Punjab. In the initial phase, 50 workshops will be equipped with advanced tools, and owners will be provided with 80% interest-free loans.

She said that process of fitness certification for vehicles operated by various transport companies will be expedited, alongside comprehensive emissions testing for all public transport vehicles.

Additionally, vehicle inspections will be initiated outside Lahore to implement anti-smog measures. For environmental improvement, a tree-plantation campaign will be launched in 478 schools in Lahore, and environmental issues will be incorporated into the curriculum as part of the initiative. Water sprinkling and other measures to combat smog are ongoing and will be enhanced with the formation of specialized squads.