LAHORE: Lahore Traffic Police has intensified its enforcement operations to combat smog, reduce environmental pollution and protect citizens from road accidents.
Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi has directed strict enforcement against vehicles and activities contributing to air pollution, with a particular focus on the transportation of sand and soil, smoke-emitting heavy vehicles, construction-site dust, overloading and over-dimension vehicles.
In coordination with the Punjab mines and mineral director general, joint checking and enforcement operations are being conducted at sand and soil excavation points to ensure compliance with environmental protection protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
At all entry and exit points of Lahore, strict action is being taken against vehicles transporting sand and soil without proper tarpaulin covers. Such vehicles are not being allowed to enter the city unless their loads are adequately covered, while violators are being dealt with in accordance with the law.
Action being taken against smoke-emitting vehicles, uncovered sand, soil carriers
To control dust emissions from construction activities, construction-site operators and relevant stakeholders have been directed to ensure regular water sprinkling at their sites. Sites failing to comply with these instructions will face strict action, including closure where warranted.
Special checking of heavy vehicles is also underway at 12 entry and exit points of the city. Vehicles emitting excessive smoke are being denied entry to Lahore, while enforcement against vehicles operating without valid fitness certification is being strengthened to reduce harmful emissions and improve road safety.
The traffic police has also intensified its crackdown on overloaded and over-dimension vehicles, which pose significant risks to road users and contribute to traffic congestion and accidents. Heavy fines are being imposed for violations in accordance with the applicable law.
Mr Shirazi stated that the safe transportation of sand and soil, effective dust control at construction sites and strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles are essential components of the city’s anti-smog strategy. He added that coordination with relevant departments is being strengthened to ensure effective monitoring and compliance with environmental and road safety regulations.
The traffic police has undertaken extensive enforcement measures during the current year to control smog. As many as 9,212 vehicles contributing to smog and environmental pollution have been proceeded against, 6,212 vehicles transporting sand and soil without tarpaulin covers have been proceeded against, 21,219 vehicles operating without valid fitness certification have been proceeded against during checks at the city’s entry and exit points whereas 225,301 vehicles involved in over-dimension and overloading violations have been issued heavy fines.
Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2026
