Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a complete ban on crop residue burning across the province. She has directed all deputy commissioners to ensure 100 per cent enforcement.

The decision aims to control rising smog levels and reduce air pollution. Burning agricultural waste releases smoke and harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued these instructions during a high-level review meeting in Lahore on Thursday. Deputy commissioners from all districts attended the meeting to discuss administrative performance and ongoing government initiatives.

During the meeting, the chief minister highlighted Punjab’s growing smog problem. She said crop residue burning was making the situation worse. She directed district administrations to take strict measures against the practice.

The chief minister also reviewed the progress of district-wise beautification plans. She said the provincial government wanted to transform Punjab into an ideal province. However, she expressed disappointment over delays in implementing beautification projects in several districts.

She specifically criticised the deputy commissioner of Okara for insufficient attention to crop residue burning. She stressed that district administrations must take their responsibilities seriously.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif also ordered the formation of special squads. These teams will focus on improving governance and maintaining roads across the province. The initiative aims to address local problems and improve public services.

The chief minister further directed deputy commissioners to repair water filtration plants in their respective districts. The measure is intended to improve access to clean drinking water for residents.

Healthcare services were another important part of the meeting. The chief minister instructed deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners to visit hospitals daily. They must check the availability of medical facilities and ensure citizens receive proper services.

During the meeting, Shoaib Mirza presented a district performance report. He serves as the Advisor to the Chief Minister on the Punjab Performance Management Unit.

The report covered the performance of several districts. These included Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, Layyah and Sahiwal.

The chief minister also directed authorities to make Punjab an encroachment-free province. She emphasized coordinated operations to remove illegal encroachments from public spaces.

The latest instructions highlight the provincial government’s focus on environmental protection and administrative performance. District administrations will be responsible for implementing these directives.

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The complete ban on crop residue burning is expected to support efforts against smog. Authorities will also work on road maintenance, hospital services and other public facilities across Punjab.