20 nabbed for defying smog SOPs

LAHORE: Punjab Police arrested 20 people and booked 92 on charges of violating anti-smog SPOs in various districts, including Lahore, over the past 24 hours.

The authorities concerned imposed Rs 642,000 fine on 390 individuals for causing pollution and issued 28 warnings to others. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, 23 incidents of stubble burning, 413 cases against owners of smoky vehicles, 31 industrial violations, 33 infractions at brick kilns, and 14 other breaches were reported in the last 24 hours.

CONCERN AT AIR POLLUTION: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed concern over alarming levels of air pollution in Punjab, particularly its devastating impact on children under five years of age, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.

The PMA demanded the Punjab government take measures to address this public health crisis. The PMA office-bearers demanded the government address the root causes - the agricultural and industrial activities as contributors, but a deeper analysis of specific sources and their relative impact would be valuable.

They also demanded adequate healthcare facilities and trained medical professionals to address health complications arising from air pollution, particularly among vulnerable children.