Islamabad’s administration has enacted Section 144 to address the challenges posed by smog.
Details indicate that this measure was implemented in the federal city to reduce air pollution. The administration has banned smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, and brick kilns, and has also prohibited the burning of waste and crops to prevent smog.
Orders related to Section 144 were issued by the additional district magistrate of Islamabad and will take effect immediately for the next two months. The district administration has warned that strict actions will be taken against those who do not comply with these orders.
Previously, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautioned that smog is expected to persist in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi from November through February. The EPA sent a letter to the Islamabad deputy commissioner urging the implementation of preventive measures to protect citizens from smog.
In its communication, the EPA called for a ban on smoke-emitting brick kilns, industries, and vehicles, highlighting the growing threat of smog in the region, including cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, and Faisalabad. The agency also predicted an increase in air pollution in the Potohar region in the coming days.
The EPA emphasized the serious health, environmental, and economic impacts of smog, noting that it can lead to heart, eye, respiratory, and skin problems. The letter stated, “The EPA is taking steps to combat smog, but controlling air pollution requires cooperation from the district administration.”
