ISLAMABAD: Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Central Leader All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Wednesday said public transport should be converted on CNG in Punjab to offset to impact of smog and air pollution.

He said dozens of countries have converted their public transport environment-friendly fuel and Pakistan should follow the suit by introducing CNG in the public transport in the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Multan so that masses can get some relief.

The APCNGA is ready to cooperate with the government of Punjab in this regard while the availability of CNG kits and cylinders will be ensured, he said.

Ghiyas Paracha said this while talking to Punjab Minister for Environment Begum Zakia Shah Nawaz. Secretary of the ministry Saif Anjum, APCNGA leaders Captain (retd) Shuja, Waqas Ahmed and others were also present on the occasion.

The leader of the CNG sector said that apart from the public transport, at least fifty percent of the vehicles should be converted on CNG to improve the environment on a faster pace as there is no shortage of gas anywhere in the country.

Expressing concern over smog and increased air pollution which has badly disturbed daily life in Punjab, he offered all the out cooperation to the government to handle the situation.

At the occasion, provincial Minister for Environment Begum Zakia Shah Nawaz and secretary environment said that provincial government is closing industrial units which are causing pollution while urgent steps are being taken to convert public transport on CNG.

They asked the APCNGA leaders to ensure the proper price of the fuel so that it can become popular in the masses. The representatives of APCNGA and government are engaged in the negotiations to fine-tune details of the conversion of public transport on CNG.—PPI