EPA marks ‘Earth Hour’

LAHORE: In connection with the global observance of Earth Hour, the Environment Protection Agency Punjab organized a high-level Post-Smog Engagement Session, at its Green Building Headquarters, reinforcing its commitment to climate action, clean air, and sustainable governance. The event, held in the spirit of this year’s Earth Hour theme focusing on collective climate responsibility and energy conservation, brought together more than 50 participants from academia, civil society, media, and the legal community. Representatives from leading institutions, including University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, University of Central Punjab, Government College University Lahore, and University of the Punjab, actively participated in the session. The engagement commenced with a guided visit to the Punjab Climate Watch — widely known as the Smog War Room — where participants were briefed on EPA Punjab’s real-time monitoring and enforcement strategies to combat air pollution. Officials highlighted that these efforts have earned international recognition, with the IQAir 2025 report confirming a 13 per cent reduction in PM2. 5 levels in Lahore — the lowest since the COVID-19 period. A comprehensive session was later held at the Center for Knowledge Exchange & Policy Dialogue (CKE&PD), where participants were presented with Punjab’s anti-smog journey as a model of green governance. The initiative reflects a data-driven and technology-based approach under strong administrative leadership, aligning closely with the global objectives of Earth Hour to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Director General EPA Punjab, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, led the session and engaged extensively with participants. Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh highlighted that Earth Hour is not merely a symbolic switch-off campaign, but a call for sustained behavioural change, institutional coordination, and policy innovation. He emphasized that EPA Punjab, under his leadership, has transformed environmental regulation through digitization, transparent enforcement, and scientific decision-making. Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh further underscored that the success in reducing smog levels is the result of coordinated efforts involving multiple departments, strict enforcement actions, and active public engagement. He reiterated that EPA Punjab will continue to expand partnerships with academia and research institutions to develop long-term, evidence-based solutions for environmental challenges. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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