High-level steering committee set up to eliminate child, bonded labour across province

By Muhammad Shahzad Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE:: Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has established a high-level steering committee to eliminate child and bonded labor across the province, a move being described as historic and timely.
In this regard, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb held a meeting with a high-level delegation of U.S. business leaders. The delegation included David Cheatham (Velocity Retail), Browning Thornton (Yellowhammer Salon), Christina Carter (RW Beckett), Dana Hynes (Citivest), and William Howe (Newcastle Vantage). During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including health, education, environment, child labor, agriculture, industry, and e-mechanization. The U.S. delegation was comprehensively briefed on the vision and reform agenda of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The delegation appreciated the Chief Minister’s vision and termed the formation of the steering committee an effective and exemplary initiative.
The delegation praised the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy and practical measures to eliminate child and bonded labor.
They described the mechanization of brick kilns as a model initiative that will help free children and laborers from exploitation. The delegation also commended the Chief Minister’s e-mobility vision, AQI-based smog mitigation policy, sustainable industrial development, and promotion of eco-friendly industries.
They welcomed the investment-friendly environment in Punjab and appreciated the government’s industrial reforms, supply chain improvements, and social protection programs.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, positive results of environmental reforms are now visible. She informed that under Punjab Climate Watch, the smog monitoring system has been further strengthened, while the e-mobility vision is a revolutionary step toward eco-friendly transport.
She added that a litigation program has been launched to combat smog, QR coding of brick kilns and industrial chimneys has been completed, and progress toward zero-emission technology is ongoing. She further stated that the Planning and Development Department has been designated as the nucleus of the Smog Control Plan, while monitoring of 11,000 brick kilns has begun through data-driven technology. A field force comprising 666 personnel has been mobilized for environmental protection. The Punjab AQI App has been launched, providing citizens with real-time information through 41 monitoring stations.
Maryam Aurangzeb said that to prevent farmers from burning crop residues, 5,000 super seeders have been provided at a 60 percent subsidy, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in stubble burning, as reported by NASA. For the first time, a certification regime has been implemented in the transport sector, and vehicles are being monitored through thermal cameras. Additionally, 9,000 industrial chimneys have been connected to a central control system.
She highlighted that during smog season, there was no need to close schools or educational institutions. Surveillance systems using drones and modern technology are operational, climate change lessons have been incorporated into the curriculum, and projects to manufacture furniture from illegal plastic have been launched. Segregated dustbins are being installed in schools, while special measures are underway to eliminate child labor around brick kilns.
The Senior Provincial Minister stated that acknowledging the reality of trans-border pollution, an AQI forecasting system has been introduced for the first time. Helpline 1373, chatbot services, and smog guns are operational, while a successful pilot project to reduce smog has been conducted in Kahna. Under e-mechanization, super seeder and baler projects are ongoing, pyrolysis plants have been shut down, and white smoke emission from all brick kilns in Punjab has been achieved.
She said that an e-transport system has been introduced, including e-buses. Construction sites are being APA certified, and sprinklers have been made mandatory to control fugitive dust. Plastic bags thinner than 75 microns have been banned, while a tree plantation campaign, carbon credit program, and Environment e-Smart system have been launched in Lahore.
Maryam Aurangzeb informed that this year, a record was set as no hazardous smog days were recorded in November and December, and a significant decline in smog-affected patients was observed. Comprehensive legislation is being introduced to eliminate child labor. Punjab’s first data registry is in its final stages, which will be used to provide the Ramadan relief package.
She further stated that efforts to eliminate child labor are being made through industrial reforms, supply chain improvements, and interest-free loans. Short-, mid-, and long-term strategies are being implemented across all sectors. A transition toward a 40 percent concrete block construction system is underway, while complete mapping of rescue services, skill development, and school enrollment has been completed.

The U.S. delegation appreciated the revolutionary initiatives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and also praised the excellent arrangements for Christmas celebrations. They termed the policies and reforms of the Punjab government exemplary. At the conclusion, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb thanked the delegation for their cooperation and support.