Inflation reduced in PMLN government, claims Maryam

LAHORE: Under the PML-N government, the inflation rate has come down from 35 percent to 4.9 percent, which has had a positive impact on people’s lives. Besides, interest rates have also come down, said senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb while addressing a press conference on climate change and anti-smog measures here on Thursday.

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

The Chief Minister has assigned targets to Deputy Commissioners and Police to monitor essential items. He asserted that no other administration could match PMLN’s public relief initiatives.

Regarding smog, Maryam Aurangzeb highlighted the exemplary work done during the last eight to nine months under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, including the 10-year multi-sectoral anti-smog plan introduced by the Punjab government. . Measures such as demolition of 1,094 brick kilns, surveillance through drone technology and closure of 219 industrial units have been taken to deal with smog. Financial and technical assistance has been provided to industrial units for adopting eco-friendly systems, including interest-free loans for 80 units. Additionally, for the first time in Lahore, 10,784 vehicles have been clamped for emitting excessive smoke.

Farmers have received 1,000 Super Seeders at 60 per cent subsidy to promote eco-friendly agriculture. Factories on Dewan Road in 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 the supply of gas analyzers to private workshops, which are subsidized at 80 per cent, as part of the government’s private sector initiatives. The senior minister said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now oversee transport monitoring, with dedicated squads ensuring compliance. Government departments have been directed to repair all smog-emitting vehicles by January 30 or else action will be taken against them. 15 air quality monitors have been installed in Lahore with a target of 60. As part of the eco-friendly transformation, 400 electric buses will be introduced in Lahore, including 27 buses by January and plans to transport 52 lakh motorcycles. to electric.

Maryam Aurangzeb thanked the media, stakeholders and industries for their cooperation in reducing smog. He noted a 38 percent drop in smog compared to last year but warned of a possible increase due to fog following the predicted rains. Efforts are underway to improve fuel quality through newly established labs and regular industrial inspections.

The Punjab government has started discussions with school management and traffic police on school bus service, car pooling and better management of transport. Annual planning for the smog season, involving all stakeholders, is underway. Transparency in vehicle certification is being ensured through QR codes, and there are plans to shift industries from central Lahore to designated zones with adequate facilities.

Maryam Aurangzeb concluded by saying that these environmental challenges require a collective effort, and significant improvement in air quality management is expected in the coming weeks.

Later, in a meeting chaired by senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb, several important decisions were taken to control smog and improve environmental conditions across Punjab. He emphasized that an effective monitoring system will be established to ensure comprehensive implementation of these measures as per the vision of the Chief Minister.

Key initiatives include up-gradation of private workshops, a first for Punjab. In the initial phase, 50 workshops will be equipped with modern equipment, and 80 percent interest-free loans will be provided to the owners.

He said that the fitness certification process for vehicles operated by various transport companies will be expedited, along with comprehensive emission testing for all public transport vehicles.

Apart from this, checking of vehicles outside Lahore will be started to implement anti-smog measures. For environmental improvement, a plantation campaign will be started in 478 schools of Lahore and under this initiative, environmental issues will be included in the curriculum. Water sprinkling and other measures to deal with smog are underway and will be increased with the formation of special forces.