Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a large-scale operation to eliminate toxic industrial waste and heavy metals across the province. This action comes in response to the dumping of hazardous materials into waterways. According to a statement released by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on X (formerly Twitter), an immediate assessment is underway across the province to address this issue.
A strict ban will be imposed on releasing hazardous waste into canals and drains, which has been identified as a leading cause of life-threatening diseases. Residential settlements lacking waste treatment facilities face closure, with 28 already having been issued notices.
The Chief Minister took strict notice of the harmful waste being dumped into the Hadiara Drain and ordered its immediate cleaning. Officials have been given a deadline of August 10 to clean the waterway. A meeting overseen by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the need for immediate action against industrial units and housing societies involved in this issue.
In collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), district administration, Irrigation Department, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Industries, Health, LDA, and other institutions, waterways across Punjab will be inspected, striving to meet international environmental standards.
A presentation highlighted the increasing instances of cholera, typhoid, lung cancer, and other diseases linked to hazardous industrial waste. Assessments of industrial drainage systems in Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Kasur have been completed. A penalty framework for pollution has been finalized and will be implemented immediately. The institution will provide interest-free loans to businesses for the construction of waste processing facilities. The Secretary of Industries has been directed to immediately establish a wastewater treatment plant in Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate.