Prime Minister Imran Khan has outlined major policy initiatives to counter the growing impact of pollution.

While talking to the media, he said that an urban forest near Lahore will be planted to help curb emission adding, “Lahore has lost 70 percent of trees during the last 10 years. It has far-reaching consequences.”

He remarked that vehicular emission is the largest contributor to air pollution in the country and in a bid to curb this, the government is looking to import Euro IV emission standard fuel.

He added, “By the end of 2020, we will shift to the Euro V emission standard. This will help in reducing toxic emissions from vehicles.”

He said that Pakistan’s oil supply is dependent on oil imports with 50-60% of the total supply being imported. The oil being imported meets the European Union’s Euro 2 emission standard.

We have decided we will import a cleaner environmental friendly oil, [which will meet] the Euro 4 standard and added that the Euro IV has lesser chemicals that pollute the air.

A three-year deadline will be given to the oil refineries, during which they will have to enhance the quality of the fuel. If any refinery fails to meet the directives, it will be closed down after the deadline lapses. He also talked about the government’s move to shift the auto sector towards electric vehicles.

The PM added that they would bring all the relevant stakeholders to the table and address their reservations. He said that in a bit to boost the production of Electric Vehicles, the government will be providing incentives.