LAHORE: In a major policy shift to reduce emissions and promote clean transportation, the Punjab government has decided to impose a complete ban on the purchase of petrol and diesel vehicles across provincial government departments. Under the decision, all government departments will now be allowed to procure only electric or hybrid vehicles. However, vehicles used for field duties have been exempted from the restriction. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman said the move reflected the government’s strong commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of green energy, adding that a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy for the province would be announced shortly. As part of the same initiative, the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new petrol pumps has been made conditional on the installation of electric vehicle charging units. The Chief Secretary stated that no new petrol pump would be permitted to operate without EV charging facilities. Officials said NOCs have already been issued through the e-Biz Portal for 170 new petrol pumps across 31 cities of Punjab, all of which are required to install EV charging units. These include 29 petrol pumps in Faisalabad, 14 in Lahore, 10 in Bahawalpur, nine each in Khanewal and Bahawalnagar, eight each in Rawalpindi and Jhang, and seven each in Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Kasur and Chiniot. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary directed authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on kite flying, strengthen price control mechanisms and accelerate action against organised begging. The directives were issued during a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, which reviewed measures related to the prevention of begging, enforcement of the kite-flying ban, traffic management and price control. To improve monitoring of essential commodity prices, the meeting decided to increase the number of price magistrates. The Chief Secretary instructed deputy commissioners to ensure the availability of flour, roti and other essential food items at officially notified rates. He also ordered the implementation of a new traffic management plan in major cities, noting that stricter enforcement of traffic laws had already resulted in a reduction in road accidents. Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against violations of the kite-flying ban, the Chief Secretary directed police and district administrations to take firm action to ensure effective enforcement. On the issue of beggars, he ordered the intensification of the ongoing campaign and called for proposals for strict punishments against organised groups exploiting women and children for begging. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026