The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has sealed more than 47 restaurants across the province for violating environmental regulations as authorities intensify their anti-smog crackdown.
EPA night squads inspected more than 256 restaurants across Punjab during the past 24 hours.
In Lahore, officials inspected 30 restaurants, sealing 27 of them while issuing notices to three others.
The EPA has made proper suction hoods and functional exhaust systems mandatory for restaurants involved in barbecue, grilling, and other smoke-producing cooking activities. Restaurants operating without the required systems will face sealing.
Officials said suction hoods are a mandatory environmental requirement rather than an optional facility. Night squads will check whether restaurants have properly installed and functional suction hoods and exhaust systems.
The EPA said monitoring will not be limited to restaurants, with other establishments contributing to air pollution also coming under scrutiny.
EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir said the scope of night squads has been expanded across Punjab and enforcement will continue during both daytime and nighttime.
He added that businesses contributing to pollution at night will also face legal action.
EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh said the agency is implementing a zero-tolerance policy against polluters.
He said no institution is above environmental laws and action will be taken without discrimination against those found violating the rules.
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