By: Sajid Ali The World Ambassador(TWA) ___

Lahore – July 13, 2025:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the province’s first Environmental Protection Force (EPF) in Lahore today, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to combat environmental degradation and enforce eco-regulations across Punjab.

The specialized unit will function under the Punjab Environment Protection Department and has been tasked with monitoring pollution levels, preventing illegal dumping, regulating plastic usage, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Initially, the force will be deployed in major urban centers including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan, with plans for expansion to rural areas.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at Jillani Park, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the urgent need for on-ground enforcement to complement policy reforms under her Green Punjab agenda.

Punjab cannot fight climate change and pollution with policy alone. We need a dedicated force on the ground to protect our air, water, forests, and future,” she said.

"This is a war for survival — and the Environmental Protection Force is our front line."

The newly recruited EPF officers will be equipped with modern tools including air and water quality sensors, surveillance drones, and mobile testing kits. The force will also conduct surprise inspections of industrial zones, construction sites, and commercial areas.

One of the EPF’s early priorities will be to implement the upcoming plastic ban, starting with single-use plastic bottles in government institutions, schools, and hospitals. Officers will also assist in safeguarding tree plantations under the 10 Million Tree Campaign by preventing encroachments and illegal cutting.

Environmentalists and climate policy advocates have welcomed the move, calling it a practical and much-needed step to ensure laws are not just passed, but enforced effectively.

The Punjab government plans to establish an Environmental Emergency Helpline (1193) and launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens on how they can report violations and support the EPF’s mission.