PUNJAB ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1997

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THE PUNJAB ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1997 
(XXXIV of 1997) 
CONTENTS 
1. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Definitions 
3. Establishment of the Punjab Environmental Protection Council 
4. Functions and powers of the Council 
5. Establishment of the Provincial Environmental Protection Agency 
6. Functions of the Provincial Agency 
7. Powers of the Provincial Agency 
8. Omitted 
9. Establishment of the Provincial Sustainable Development Funds 
10. Management of the Provincial Sustainable Development Fund 
11. Prohibition of certain discharges or emissions 
12. Initial environmental examination and environmental impact assessment 
13. Prohibition of import of hazardous waste 
14. Handling of hazardous substances 
15. Regulation of motor vehicles 
16. Environmental protection order 
17. Penalties 
18. Offences by bodies corporate 
19. Offences by Government Agencies, local authorities or local councils 
20. Environmental Tribunals 
21. Jurisdiction and powers of Environmental Tribunals 
22. Appeals to the Environmental Tribunal 
23. Appeals from orders of the Environmental Tribunal 
24. Jurisdiction of Environmental Magistrates 
25. Appeals from orders of Environmental Magistrates 
26. Power to delegate 
27. Power to give directions 
28. Indemnity 
29. Dues recoverable as arrears of land revenue 
30. Ordinance to override other laws 
31. Power to make rules 
32. Power to amend the Schedule 
33. Power to make regulations 
34. Repeal, savings and succession 
SCHEDULE 
TEXT 
1
THE 
2
[PUNJAB] ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1997 
(XXXIV of 1997) 
[6th December, 1997] 
An 
Act 
to provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the 
environment, for the prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of 
sustainable development 
 WHEREAS, it is expedient to provide for the protection, conservation, 
rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of 
pollution, promotion of sustainable development, and for matters connected 
therewith and incidental thereto; 
 It is hereby enacted as follows:– 
1. Short title, extent and commencement .– (1) This Act may be called the 
3
[Punjab] Environmental Protection Act, 1997. 
 (2) It extends to the whole of 
4
[the Punjab]. 
 (3) It shall come into force at once. 
2. Definitions.– In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or 
context,– 
(i) “adverse environmental effect” means impairment of, or damage to, 
the environment and includes– 
(a) impairment of, or damage to, human health and saf ety or to 
biodiversity or property; 
(b) pollution; and 
(c) any adverse environmental effect as may be specified in the 
regulations; 
(ii) “agriculture waste” means waste from farm and agricultural activities 
including poultry, cattle farming, animal husband ry, residues from the 
use of fertilizers, pesticides and other farm chemicals; 
                                                      
1This Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on 3 December 1997, and was published in the  Gazette of 
Pakistan, Extraordinary, dated 6 December 1997.This Act was originally in the Federal ambit, however, the subject on which this law 
was enacted devolved to the provinces by virtue of 18th Amendment in the Constitution, hence it was adapted, with amendments, for 
the province of the Punjab by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012). 
2Substituted for the w ord “Pakistan” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.3; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
3Substituted for the w ord “Pakistan” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.3; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
4Substituted for the w ord “Pakistan” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.3; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(iii) “air pollutant” means any substance that causes pollution of air and 
includes soot, smoke, dust particles, odor, light, electro -magnetic, 
radiation, heat, fumes, combustio n exhaust, exhaust gases, noxious 
gases, hazardous substances and radioactive substances; 
(iv) “biodiversity” or “biological diversity” means the variability among living 
organisms from all sources, including inter alia terrestrial, marine and 
other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they 
are part; including diversity within species, between species and of 
eco-systems;  
(v) “Council” means the 
5
[Punjab] Environmental Protection Council 
established under section 3; 
(vi) “discharge” includes spilling, leaking, pumping, depositing, seeping, 
releasing, flowing out, pouring, emitting, emptying or dumping; 
(vii) “ecosystem” means a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro -
organism communities and their non -living environment interacting as 
a functional unit; 
(viii) “effluent” means any material in solid, liquid or gaseous form or 
combination thereof being discharged from industrial activity or any 
other source and includes a slurry, suspension or vapour; 
(ix) “emission standards” means the p ermissible standards established by 
the 
6
[Provincial Agency] for emission of air pollutants and nois e and for 
discharge of effluent and waste; 
(x) “environment” means– 
 (a) air, water and land; 
 (b) all layers of the atmosphere; 
 (c) all organic and inorganic matter and living organisms; 
 (d) the ecosystem and ecological relationships; 
 (e) buildings, structures, roads, facilities and works; 
 (f) all social and economic conditions affecting community life; and  
(g) the inter-relationships between any of the factors in sub-clauses 
(a) to (f); 
(xi) “environmental impact assessment” means an environmental study 
comprising collection of data, prediction of qualitative and quantitative 
impacts, comparison of alternatives, evaluation of preventive, 
mitigatory and c ompensatory measures, formulation of environmental 
management and training plans and monitoring arrangements, and 
framing of recommendations and such other components as may be 
prescribed; 
                                                      
5Substituted for the w ord “Pakistan” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
6Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or a Provincial Agency” by the P unjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 
2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(xii) “Environmental Magistrate” means the Magistrate of the First Class 
appointed under section 24; 
(xiii) “Environmental Tribunal” means the Environmental Tribunal 
constituted under section 20; 
7
[(xiv) * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(xv) “factory” means any premises in which ind ustrial activity is being 
undertaken; 
8
[(xvi) “Government” means Government of the Punjab;] 
9
[(xvii) “Government Agency” includes– 
(a) a department, an attached department or any other office of the 
Government; and 
(b) a development authority, local authority, company or a body 
corporate established or controlled by the Government;] 
(xviii) “hazardous substance” means– 
(a) a substance or mixture of substances, other than a pesticide as 
defined in the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971 (II of 
1971), which, by reason of its chemical activity or toxic , 
explosive, flammable, corrosive, radioactive or other 
characteristics causes, or is likely to cause, directly or in 
combination with other matters, an adverse environmental 
effect; and 
(b) any substance which may be prescribed as a hazardous 
substance; 
(xix) “hazardous waste” means waste which is or which contains a 
hazardous substance or which may be prescribed as hazardous 
substance or which may be prescribed as hazardous waste, and 
includes hospital waste and nuclear waste; 
10
[(xx) * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(xxi) “hospital waste” includes waste medical supplies and materials of all 
kinds, and waste blood, tissue, organs and other parts of the human 
and animal bodies, from hospitals, clinics and laboratories; 
(xxii) “industrial activity” means any operati on or process for manufacturing, 
making, formulating, synthesising, altering, repairing, ornamenting, 
finishing, packing or otherwise treating any article or substance with a 
view to its use, sale, transport, delivery or disposal, or for mining, for oil 
and gas exploration and development, or for pumping water or 
                                                      
7Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
8Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065.  
9Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065.  
10Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
sewage, or for generating, transforming or transmitting power or for 
any other industrial or commercial purpose; 
(xxiii) “industrial waste” means waste resulting from an industrial activity; 
(xxiv) “initial environmental examination” means a preliminary enviro nmental 
review of the reasonably  foreseeable qualitative and quantitative 
impacts on the environment of a proposed project to determine 
whether it is likely to cause an adverse environmental ef fect for 
requiring preparation of  an environmental impact assessment; 
(xxv) ”local authority ” means any agency set -up or designated by the 
11
[Government] by notification in the official Gazette to be a local 
authority for the purposes of this Act; 
(xxvi) “local council” means a local council constituted or established under a 
law relating to local government; 
(xxvii) “motor vehicle” means any mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for 
use upon land whether its power of propulsion is transmitted thereto 
from an external or internal source, and includes a chassis to which a 
body has not been attached, and a trailer, but does not include a 
vehicle running upon fixed rails; 
(xxviii) “municipal waste” includes sewage, refuse, garbage, waste form 
abattoirs, sludge and human excreta and the like; 
12
[(xxix) * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(xxx) “noise” means the intensity, duration and character of sounds from all 
sources, and includes vibration; 
(xxxi) “nuclear waste” means waste from any nuclear reactor or nuclear plant 
or other nuclear energy system, whether or not such waste is 
radioactive; 
(xxxii) “person” means any natural person  or legal entity and includes an 
individual, firm, association, partnership, society, group, company, 
corporation, co -operative society, Gove rnment Agency, non -
governmental organization, community -based organization, village 
organization, local council or local authority and, in the case of a 
vessel, the master or other person having for the time being the charge 
or control of the vessel; 
(xxxiii) “pollution” means the contamination of air, land or water by the 
discharge or emission of effluents or wastes or air pollutants or noise 
or other matter which either directly or indirectly or in combination with 
other discharges or substances alters un favourably the chemical, 
physical, biological, radiational, thermal or radiological or aesthetic 
properties of the air, land or water or which may, or is likely to make 
the air, land or water unclean, noxious or impure or injurious, 
                                                      
11Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government or a Provincial Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection 
(Amendment) Act 2012 ( XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 
41061-41065. 
12Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
disagreeable or detrimental to the health, safety, welfare or property of 
persons or harmful to biodiversity; 
13
[(xxxiv) “prescribed” means prescribed by the rules or regulations;] 
(xxxv) “project” means any activity, plan, scheme, proposal or undertaking 
involving any change in the environment and includes– 
(a) construction or use of buildings or other works; 
(b) construction or use of roads or other transport systems; 
(c) construction or operation of factories or other installations; 
(d) mineral prospecting, mining, quarrying, s tone-crushing, drilling 
and the like; 
(e) any change of land use or water use; and  
(f) alteration, expansion, repair, decommissioning or abandonment 
of existing buildings or other works, roads or other transport 
systems, factories or other installations; 
(xxxvi) “proponent” means the person who proposes or intends to undertake a 
project; 
14
[(xxxvii) “Provincial Agency” means the Provincial Environmental Protection 
Agency established under the Act, or any Government Agency, local 
council or local authority e xercising the powers and functions of the 
Provincial Agency;] 
15
[(xxxvii-a) “Punjab Environmental Quality Standards” mean the standards 
prepared by the Provincial Agency and approved by the Council;] 
(xxxviii) “regulations” means regulations made under this Act; 
(xxxix)  “rules” means rules made under this Act; 
(xl) “sewage” means liquid or semi -solid wastes and sludge from sanitary 
conveniences, kitchens, laundries, washing and similar activities and 
from any sewerage system or sewage disposal works; 
(xli) “standards” means qualitative and quantitative standards for discharge 
of effluents and wastes and for emission of air pollutants and noise 
either for general applicability or for a particular area, or from a 
particular production process, or for a particu lar product, and includes 
the 
16
[Punjab] Environmental Quality Standards, emission standards 
and other st andards established under this Act and the r ules and 
regulations made thereunder; 
                                                      
13Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
14Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
15Inserted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
16Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(xlii) “sustainable development” means development that meets the need s 
of the present generation without compromising the ability of future 
generations to meet their needs; 
17
[(xliii) * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(xliv) “vessel” includes anything made for the conveyance by water of human 
beings or of goods; and 
(xlv) “waste” means any substance or object which has been, is being or is 
intended to be, discarded or disposed of, and includes liquid waste, 
solid waste, waste gases, suspended waste, industrial waste, 
agricultural waste, nuclear waste, municipal waste, hospital waste,  
used polyethylene bags and residues from the incineration of all types 
of waste. 
3. Establishment of the 
18
[Punjab] Environmental Protection Council .– 
19
[(1) 
The Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, establish a Council to 
be known as the Punjab Environmental Protection Council consisting of– 
(i) Chief Minister of the Punjab; or such other person 
as nominated by the Chief Minister; 
Chairperson 
(ii) Minister Incharge of the Environment Protection 
Department; 
Vice Chairperson 
(iii) such other persons not exceeding thirty five as 
the Government may appoint, of which at least 
twenty five shall be non -official including at least 
three Members of the Provincial Assembly of the 
Punjab, five representatives of the Chambers of 
Commerce and Indus try and one or more 
representatives of the Chambers of Agriculture, 
Medical and legal profession, trade unions and 
non- governmental organizations concerned with 
the environment and sustainable development, 
and scientists, technical experts and 
educationalists20[:] 
21[Provided that at least one female member of 
the Assembly and at least four women shall be 
appointed as non-official members; and] 
Members 
(iv) Secretary to the Government, Environment Member/Secretary] 
                                                      
17Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.4; and published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
18Substituted for the w ord “Pakistan” by the Punjab Environme ntal Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.5; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
19Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.5 ; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
20Substituted for the semi -colon and word “; and” by the Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act 2014 (IV of 2014), w.e.f. 
12.3.2014, s.2 and the Schedule; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 2733-2744. 
21Added by the Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act 2014 (IV of 2014), w.e.f. 12.3.2014, s.2 and the Schedule; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 2733-2744. 
Protection Department. 
(2) The Member s of the Council, other than ex-officio members, shall be 
appointed in accordance with the prescribed procedure and shall hold office for a 
term of three years. 
(3) The Council shall frame its own rules of procedure. 
(4) The Council shall hold meetings as and when necessary, but not less 
than two meetings shall be held in a year. 
(5) The Council may constitute committees of its members and entrust 
them with such functions as it may deem fit, and the recommendations of the 
committees shall be submitted to the Council for approval. 
(6) The Council or any of its committees may invite any technical expert or 
representative of any Government Agency or non -governmental organization or 
other person possessing specialized knowledge of any subject for assistance in 
performance of its functions. 
4. Functions and powers of the Council.– (1) The Council shall– 
(a) co-ordinate and supervise enforcement of the provisions of this Act;  
(b) approve comprehensive 
22
[Punjab] environmental policies and ensure 
their implementation wit hin the framework of a 
23
[Punjab] conservation 
strategy as may be approved by the 
24
[Government] from time to time; 
(c) approve the 
25
[Punjab] Environmental Quality Standards; 
(d) provide guidelines for the protection and conservation of species, 
habitats, an d biodiversity in general, and for the conservation of 
renewable and non-renewable resources; 
(e) coordinate integration of the principles and concerns of sustainable 
development into 
26
[Punjab] development plans and policies; and 
(f) consider the 
27
[Punjab] Environment Report and give appropriate 
directions thereon. 
(2) The Council may, either itself or on the request of any person or 
organisation, direct the 
28
[Provincial Agency] or any Government Agency to prepare, 
submit, promote or implement projects for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation 
                                                      
22Substituted for the w ord “Nat ional” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
23Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Am endment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
24Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
25Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
26Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
27Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
28Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
and improvement of the environment, the prevention and control of pollution, and the 
sustainable development of resources, or to undertake research in any  specified 
aspect of environment. 
5. Establishment of the  
29
[Provincial] Environmental Protection Agency .–  
30
[(1) The Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, establish the 
Provincial Environmental Protection Agency to exercise the powers and perform the 
functions assigned to it under this Act, the rules and the regulations.] 
(2) The 
31
[Provincial Agency] shall be headed by a Director -General, who 
shall be appointed by the 
32
[Government] on such terms and conditions as it may 
determine. 
(3) The 
33
[Provincial Agency] shall have such administrative, t echnical and 
legal staff as the 
34
[Government] may specify, to be appointed in accordance with 
such procedure as may be prescribed. 
(4) The powers and functions of the 
35
[Provincial Agency] shall b e 
exercised and performed by the Director-General. 
36
[(5) The Director General may, by general or special order, delegate any of 
the functions of the Provincial Agency exercised by him under subsection (4) to any 
other officer appointed under subsection (3).] 
(6) For assisting the 
37
[Provincial Agency] in the discharg e of its functions, 
the 
38
[Government] shall establish Advisory Committees for various sectors, and 
appoint as members thereof eminent representatives of the relevant sector, 
educational institutions, research institutes and non-governmental organizations. 
6. Functions of the 
39
[Provincial Agency].– (1) The 
40
[Provincial Agency] shall– 
                                                      
29Substituted for the w ord “Pakistan” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (X XXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.6; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
30Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.6; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
31Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
32Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
33Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
34Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
35Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
36Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2017 (XIX of 2017), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 08 November 2017, pp 3139 - 3140, s.2 
37Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
38Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
39Words “Federal Agency” substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 2012 (XXXV of 2012) 
40Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(a) administer and implement the provisions of this  Act and the rules and 
regulations made thereunder; 
(b) prepare, in coordination with the appropriate Government Agency and 
in consultation with the concerned sectoral Advisory Committees, 
41
[* * 
* *] environmental policies for approval by the Council; 
(c) take all necessary measures for the implementation of the 
42
[* * * *] 
environmental policies approved by the Council; 
(d) prepare and publish an annual 
43
[Punjab] Environmental Report on the 
state of the environment; 
(e) prepare or revise, and establish the 
44
[Punjab] Environmental Quality 
Standards with approval of the Council: 
 Provided that before seeking approval of the Council , the 
45
[Provincial 
Agency] shall publish the proposed 
46
[Punjab] Environmental Quality 
Standards for public opinion in accordance with the prescribed 
procedure; and 
(f) ensure enforcement of the 
47
[Punjab] Environmental Quality Standards; 
48
[(g) establish standards for the quality of the ambient air, water and land, 
by notification in the official Gazette;] 
(h) co-ordinate environmental policies and programmes nationally and 
internationally; 
(i) establish systems and procedures for surveys, surveillance, 
monitoring, measurement, examination, investigation, research, 
inspection and audit to prevent and control pollution, and to estimate 
the costs of cleaning up pollution and rehabilitating the environment in 
various sectors; 
(j) take measures to promote research  and the development of science 
and technology which may contribute to the prevention of pollution, 
protection  of the environment, and sustainable development;  
(k) certify one or more laboratories as approved laboratories for 
conducting tests and analysis  and one or more research institutes as 
                                                      
41Omitted the word “national” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, 
s.7; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
42Omitted the word “national” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, 
s.7; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
43Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 201 2), 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
44Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
45Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
46Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
47Substituted for the w ord “National” by th e Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
48Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w. e.f.18.4.2012, s.7; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
environmental research institutes for conducting research and 
investigation, for the purposes of this Act; 
(l) identify the needs for, and initiate legislation in various sectors of the 
environment; 
(m) render advice and assistance in environmental matters, including such 
information and data available with it as may be required for carrying 
out the purposes of this Act: 
 Provided that the disclosure of such information shall be subject to the 
restrictions contained in the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 12; 
(n) assist the local councils, local authorities, Government Agencies and 
other persons to implement schemes for the proper disposal of wastes 
so as to ensure compliance with the standards established by it; 
(o) provide information and guidance to the public environmental matters;  
(p) recommend environmental courses, topics, literature and books for 
incorporation in the curricula and syllabi of educational institutions; 
(q) promote public education and awarene ss of environmental issues 
through mass media and other means, including seminars and 
workshops; 
(r) specify safeguards for the prevention of  accidents and disasters which 
may cause pollution, collaborate with the concerned person in the 
preparation of co ntingency plans for control of such accidents and 
disasters, and co-ordinate implementation of such plans; 
(s) encourage the formation and working of non -governmental 
organizations, community organizations and village organizations to 
prevent and control pollution and promote sustainable development; 
(t) take or cause to be taken all necessary measure for the protection, 
conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, 
prevention and control of pollution and promotion of sustainable 
development; and 
(u) perform any function which the Council may assign to it. 
(2) The 
49
[Provincial Agency] may– 
(a) undertake inquires or investigation into environmental issues, either of 
its own accord or upon complaint from any person or organisation; 
(b) request any person to furnish any information or data relevant to its 
functions; 
(c) initiate with the approval of the 
50
[Government], requests for foreign 
assistance in support of the purposes of this  Act and enter into 
arrangements with foreign agencies or or ganizations for the exchange 
                                                      
49Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
50Substituted for the words “Federal Government” substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 2012 
(XXXV of 2012) 
of material or information and participate in international seminars or 
meetings; 
(d) recommend to the 
51
[Government] the adoption of financial and fiscal 
programmes, schemes or measures for achieving environmental 
objectives and goals and the purposes of this  Act, including– 
(i) incentives, prizes awards, subsidies, tax exemptions, rebates 
and depreciation allowances; and 
(ii) taxes, duties, cesses and other levies; 
(e) establish and maintain laboratories to help in the perform ance of its 
functions under this  Act and to conduct research in various aspects of 
the environment and provide or arrange necessary assistance for 
establishment of similar laboratories in the private sector; and  
(f) provide or arrange, in accordance with  such procedure as may be 
prescribed, financial assistance for projects designed to facilitate the 
discharge of its functions. 
7. Powers of the 
52
[Provincial Agency].–  Subject to the provisions of this Act, 
the 
53
[Provincial Agency] may– 
(a) lease, purchase, acquire, own, hold, improve, use or otherwise deal in 
and with any property both movable and immovable; 
(b) sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, exchange or otherwise dispose of its 
property and assets; 
(c) fix and realize fees, rates and charges for renderin g any service or 
providing any facility, information or data under this  Act or the rules 
and regulations made thereunder; 
(d) enter into the contracts, execute instruments, incur liabilities and do all 
acts or things necessary for proper management and co nduct of its 
business; 
(e) appoint with the approval of the 
54
[Government] and in accordance with 
such procedures as may be prescribed, such advisers, experts and 
consultants as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of 
its functions on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit; 
(f) summon and enforce the attendance of any person and require him to 
supply any information or document needed for the conduct of any 
enquiry or investigation into any environmental issue; 
(g) enter and inspect and  under the authority of a search warrant issued 
by the Environmental Tribunal or Environmental Magistrate, search at 
                                                      
51Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environm ental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
52Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXX V of 2012), 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
53Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
54Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
any reasonable time, any land, building, premises, vehicle or vessel or 
other place where or in which, there are reasonable grounds to beli eve 
that an offence under this  Act has been or is being committed;  
(h) take samples of any materials, products, articles or substances or of 
the effluents, wastes or air pollutants being discharged or emitted or of 
air, water or land in the vicinity of the discharge or emission; 
(i) arrange for test and analysis of the samples at a certified laboratory;  
(j) confiscate any article used in the commission of the offence where the 
offender is not known or cannot be found within a reasonable time : 
 Provided tha t the power under clauses (f), (h), (i), and (j) shall be 
exercised in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal 
Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), or the rules made under this Act and 
under the direction of the Environmental Tribunal or Environ mental 
Magistrate; and 
55
[(k) establish the Punjab Environmental Coordination Committee 
comprising the Director General as its convener and such other 
members as the Government may appoint to exercise such powers 
and perform such functions as may be delegat ed or assigned to it by 
the Government for carrying out the purposes of this Act.] 
56
[8. Establishment, powers and functions of the Provincial Environmental 
Protection Agencies.– * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
9. Establishment of the Provincial Sustainable Develop ment Funds .– 
57
[(1) 
There shall be established a Provincial Sustainable Development Fund.] 
(2) The Provincial Sustainable Development Fund shall be derived from 
the following sources, namely:– 
(a) grants made or loans advanced by the 
58
[Government or the  Federal 
Government]; 
(b) aid and assistance, grants, advances, donations and other non -
obligatory funds received from foreign governments, 
59
[Punjab] or 
international agencies, and non-governmental organizations; and 
(c) contributions from private organizations, and other persons. 
(3) The Provincial Sustainable Development Fund shall be utilized in 
accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed for– 
                                                      
55Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.8; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
56Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.9; and published 
in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
57Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.10; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
58Substituted for  the words “Federal Government or the Provincial Governments” by the Punjab Environmental Protection 
(Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.10; and published in th e Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 
41061-41065. 
59Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(a) providing financial assistance to the projects designed for the 
protection, conservation, rehabilitation  and improvement of the 
environment, the prevention and control of pollution, the sustainable 
development of resources and for research in any specified aspect of 
environment; and 
(b) any other purpose which in the opinion of the Board will help achieve 
environmental objectives and the purposes of this Act. 
10. Management of the Provincial Sustainable Development Fund .– 
60
[(1) The 
Provincial Sustainable Development Fund shall be managed by a Board known as 
the Provincial Sustainable Development Fund Board consisting of- 
(i) Chairman, Planning and Development Board; Chairperson 
(ii) Such officers of the Government, not exceeding 
six, as the Government may appoint including 
Secretaries incharge of the Finance, Industries 
and Environment Departments; 
Members 
(iii) such non -official persons not exceeding ten as 
the Government may appoint including 
representatives of the Chamber of Commerce 
and Industry, non -governmental organizations 
and major donors; and 
Members 
(iv) Director General of the Provincial Agency. Member/Secretary] 
(2) In accordance with such procedure and such criteria as may be 
prescribed, the Board shall have the power to– 
(a) sanction financial assistance for eligible projects; 
(b) invest moneys held in the Provincial Sustainable Development Fu nd in 
such profit-bearing government bonds, savings schemes and securities 
as it may deem suitable; and 
(c) take such measures and exercise such powers as may be necessary 
for utilization of the Provincial Sustainable Development Fund for the 
purposes specified in sub-section (3) of section 9. 
(3) The Board shall constitute committees of its members to undertake 
regular monitoring of projects financed from the Provincial Sustainable Development 
Fund and to submit progress reports to the Board which shall pu blish an Annual 
Report incorporating its annual audited accounts, and performance evaluation based 
on the progress reports. 
11. Prohibition of certain  discharges or emissions .– (1) Subject to the 
provisions of this  Act and the r ules and regulations made t hereunder no person 
shall discharge or emit or allow the discharge or emission of any effluent or waste or 
air pollutant or noise in an amount, concentration or level which is in excess of the 
                                                      
60Substituted by  the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.11; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
61
[Punjab] Environmental Quality Standards or, where applicable,  the standards 
established under 
62
[ * * * * * * *] clause (g) of sub-section (1) of section 6. 
(2) The 
63
[Government] may levy a pollution charge on any person who 
contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of sub -section (1), to be calculated 
at su ch rate, and collected in accordance with such procedure as may be 
prescribed. 
(3) Any person who pays the pollution charge levied under sub -section (2) 
shall not be charged with an offence with respect to that contravention or failure.  
(4) The provision s of sub -section (3) shall not apply to projects, which 
commenced industrial activity on or after the thirtieth day of June, 1994.  
12. Initial environmental examination and environmental impact 
assessment.–  (1) No proponent of a project shall commence const ruction or 
operation unless he has filed with the 
64
[Provincial Agency] an initial environmental 
examination or, where the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, 
an environmental impact assessment, and has obtained from the 
65
[Provincial 
Agency] approval in respect thereof. 
(2) The 
66
[Provincial Agency] shall– 
(a) review the initial environmental examination and accord its approval, or 
require submission of an environmental impact assessment by the 
proponent; or 
(b) review the environmenta l impact assessment and accord  its approval 
subject to such conditions as it may deem fit to impose, or require that 
the environmental impact assessment be re -submitted after such 
modifications as may be stipulated, or reject the project as being 
contrary to environmental objectives. 
(3) Every review of an environmental impact assessment shall be carried 
out with public participation and no information will be disclosed during the course of 
such public participation which relates to– 
(i) trade, manufacturing or business activities, processes or techniques of 
a proprietary nature, or financial, commercial, scientific or technical 
matters which the proponent has requested should remain confidential, 
unless for reasons to be reco rded in writing, the Director -General of 
                                                      
61Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Pro tection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
62The words “sub-clause (i) of” Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2017 (XIX of 2017), 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 08 November 2017, pp 3139 - 3140, s.3 
63 Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
64Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
65Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
66Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
the 
67
[Provincial Agency] is of the opinion that the request for 
confidentiality is not well-founded or the public interest in the disclosure 
outweighs the possible prejudice to the competitive position of the 
project or its proponent; or 
(ii) international relations, 
68
[Punjab] security or maintenance of law and 
order, except with the consent of the 
69
[Government]; or  
(iii) matters covered by legal professional privilege. 
(4) The 
70
[Provincial Agency] shall communicate its approval or otherwise 
within a period of four months from the date the initial environmental examination or 
environmental impact assessment is filed complete in all respects in accordance 
with the prescribed procedure, failing which the initial environmental examination or, 
as the case may be, the environmental impact assessment shall be deemed to have 
been approved, to the extent to which it does not contravene the provisions of this 
Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder. 
(5) Subject to sub -section (4) the 
71
[Government] may in a particular case 
extend the aforementioned period of four months if the nature of the project so 
warrants. 
(6) The provisions of sub -sections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) shall apply to 
such categories of projects and in such manner as may be prescribed. 
(7) The 
72
[Provincial Agency] shall maintain separate Registers for initial 
environmental examination and environmental impact assessment project, which 
shall contain brief particulars of each project and a summary of decisions taken 
thereon, and which shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable hours 
and the disclosure of information in such Registers shall be subject to the restrictions  
specified in sub-section (3). 
73
[13. Prohibition of import of hazardous waste .– No person shall impo rt 
hazardous waste into the Punjab.] 
14. Handling of hazardous substances .–  Subject to the provisions of this Act, 
no person shall generate, collect, consign, transport, treat, dispose of, store, handle 
or import any hazardous substance except– 
                                                      
67Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
68Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
69Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
70Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
71Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
72Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
73Substituted by  the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act  2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.12; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(a) under a licence issued by the 
74
[Provincial Agency] and in such manner 
as may be prescribed; or 
(b) in accordance with the provisions of any other law for the time being in 
force, or of any international treaty, convention, protocol, code, 
standard, agreement or other instrument to which Pakistan is a party. 
15. Regulation of motor vehicles .– (1) subject to the provisions of this  Act and 
the rules and regulations made thereunder, no person shall operate a motor vehicle 
from which air pollutants or noise are being  emitted in an amount, concentration or 
level which is in excess of the 
75
[Punjab] Environmental Quality Standards, or where 
applicable the standards established under clause (g) of sub-section (1) of section 6. 
(2) For ensuring compliance with the standard s mentioned i n sub-section 
(1), the 
76
[Provincial Agency] may direct that any motor vehicle or class of vehicles 
shall install such pollution control devices or other equipment or use such fuels or 
undergo such maintenance or testing as may be prescribed. 
(3) Where a direction has been issued by the 
77
[Provincial Agency] under 
sub-section (2) in respect of any motor vehicles or class of motor vehicles, no 
person shall operate any such vehicle till such direction has been complied with. 
16. Environmental prote ction order .–
78
[(1) Where the Provincial Agency is 
satisfied that the discharge or emission of any effluent, waste, air pollutant or noise, 
or the disposal of waste, or handling of hazardous substance, or any other act or 
omission is likely to occur, or is occurring, or has occurred, in violation of any 
provision of this Act, rules or regulations or of the conditions of a license, or is likely 
to cause, or is causing, or has caused an adverse environmental effect, the 
Provincial Agency may, after giving the person responsible for such discharge, 
emission, disposal, handling, act or omission an opportunity of being heard, by 
order, direct such person to take such measures as the Provincial Agency may 
consider necessary within such period as may be specified in the order.] 
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing 
power, such measures may include– 
(a) immediate stoppage, preventing, lessening or controlling the 
discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission, or to minim ize 
or remedy the adverse environmental effect; 
(b) installation, replacement or alteration of any equipment or thing to 
eliminate or control or abate on a permanent or temporary basis, such 
discharge, emission, disposal, handling, act or omission; 
                                                      
74Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
75Substituted for the w ord “National” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
76Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
77Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
78Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amend ment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.13; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(c) action to remove or otherwise dispose of the effluent, waste, air 
pollutant, noise, or hazardous substances; and 
(d) action to restore the environment  to the condition existing prior to such 
discharge, disposal, handling, act or omission, or as close to such 
conditions may be reasonable in the circumstances, to the satisfaction 
of the 
79
[Provincial Agency]. 
(3) Where the person, to whom directions under sub -section (1) are given, 
does not comply therewith, the 
80
[Provincial Agency ] may, in addition to the 
proceeding initiated against him under this Act or the rules and regulations, itself 
take or cause to be taken such measures specif ied in the order as it may deem s 
necessary, and may recover the costs of taking such measures from such person as 
arrears of land revenue. 
17. Penalties.– (1) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of 
sections 11 , 12 , 13, or section 16 or any order issued thereunder shall be 
punishable with fine which may extend to 
81
[five million] rupees, and in the case of a 
continuing contravention or failure, with an additional fine which may extend to one 
hundred thousand rupees for every day during which such contravention or failure 
continues and where such contravention or failure continues: 
 Provided that if contravention of  the provision of section 11 also constitutes 
contravention of the provisions of section 15, such contravention shall be punishable 
under sub-section (2) only. 
(2) Whoever contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of section 
14 or 15 or any rule o r regulation or conditions of any licence, any order or direction 
issued by the Council or by the 
82
[Provincial Agency] shall be punishable with fine 
which may extend to 
83
[five hundred thousand ] rupees, and in case of continuing 
contravention, or failure with an additional fine which extend to one thousand rupees 
for every day during which such contravention continues. 
(3) Where an accused has been convicted of an offence under sub -
section (1) and (2), the Environmental Tribunal and Environmental Magistrate shall, 
in passing sentence, take into account the extent and duration of the contravention 
or failure constituting the offence, and the attendant circumstances.  
(4) Where an accused has been convicted of an  offence under sub -
section (1) and the Environment al Tribunal is satisfied that as a result of the 
commission of the offence monetary benefits have accrued to the offender, the 
Environmental Tribunal may order the offender to pay, in addition to the fines under 
                                                      
79Substituted for the words and comma “Federal Agency or, Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection 
(Amendment) Act  2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.13; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 
41061-41065. 
80Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 
2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.13; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
81Substituted  for the w ords “one million” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
82Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 
2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
83Substituted for the words “one hundred thousand” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
sub-section (1), further additional fine com mensurate with the amount of the 
monetary benefits. 
(5) Where a person convicted under sub -sections (1) or sub -section (2); 
and had been previously convicted for any contravention under this Act, the 
Environmental Tribunal or, as the case may be, Environme ntal Magistrate may, in 
addition to the punishment awarded thereunder– 
(a) endorse a copy of the order of conviction to the concerned trade or 
industrial association, if any, or the concerned Provincial Chamber of 
commence and Industry or the Federation of  Pakistan Chambers of 
Commerce and Industry; 
(b) sentence him to imprisonment for a term which may extend  up to two 
years; 
(c) order the closure of the factory; 
(d) order confiscation of the factory, machinery, and equipment, vehicle, 
material or substanc e, record or document or other object used or 
involved in contravention of the provisions of the Act: 
Provided that for a period of three years from the date of 
commencement of this Act, the sentence of imprisonment shall be 
passed only in respect of perso ns who have been previously convicted 
for more than once for any contravention of section 11, 13,14 or 16  
involving hazardous  waste; 
(e) order such person to restore the environment at his own cost, to the 
conditions existing prior to such contravention or as close to such 
conditions as may be reasonable in the circumstances to the 
satisfaction of the 
84
[Provincial Agency]; and 
(f) order that such sum be paid to any person as compensation for any 
loss, bodily injury, damage to his health or property suffer ed by such 
contravention. 
(6) The Director-General of the 
85
[Provincial Agency] or an officer generally 
or specially authorised by him in this behalf may, on the application of the accused 
compound an offence under this Act with the permission of the Environmental 
Tribunal or Environmental Magistrate in accordance with such procedure as may be 
prescribed. 
(7) Where the Director -General of the 
86
[Provincial Agency ] is of the 
opinion that a person has contravened any provision of this Act, he may, subject to 
the rules, by notice in writing to that person require him to pay to the 
87
[Provincial 
                                                      
84Substituted for the words and commas “Federal Agency or,as the case may be , Provincial Agency” by the Punjab 
Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
85Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or of a Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) 
Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
86Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or of a Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) 
Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
87Substituted for th e words and commas “Federal Agency or, as the case may be, Provincial Agency” by the Punjab 
Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.14; and published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
Agency] an administrative penalty in the amount set out in the notice for each day 
the contravention continues; and a person who pays an administrative penalty for a 
contravention shall not be charged under this Act with an offence in respect of such 
contravention. 
(8) The provisions of sub -sections (6) and (7) shall not apply to a person 
who has been previously convicted of offence or who has compounded an offence 
under this  Act or who has paid an administrative penalty for a contravention of any 
provision of this Act. 
18. Offences by bodies corporate .–  Where any contravention of this  Act has 
been committed by a body corporate, and it is proved that such offence has been 
committed with the consent or connivance or, or is attributed to any negligence on 
the part of, any director, partner, manager, secretary or other officer of the body 
corporate, such director, partner, manager, secretary or other officer of the body 
corporate, shall be deemed guilty of such contravention along with the body 
corporate and shall be punished accordingly: 
 Provided that in the case of a company as defined under the Companies 
Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), only the Chief Executive as defined i n the said 
Ordinance shall be liable under this section. 
Explanation.– For the purposes of this section, “body corporate” includes a firm, 
association of persons and a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 
1860 (XXI of 1860), or under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1925 (VII of 1925). 
19. Offences by Government Agencies, loca l authorities or local councils .–  
Where any contravention of this  Act has been committed by any Government 
Agency, local authority or local council, and it is prov ed that such contravention has 
been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any 
negligence on the part of the Head or any other officer of the Government Agency, 
local authority or local council, such Head or other officer shall also be deemed guilty 
of such contravention along with the Government Agency, local authority or local 
council and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.  
20. Environmental Tribunals.– (1) The 
88
[Government] may, by notification in the 
official gazette, establish as many Environmental Tribunals as it considers 
necessary and, where it establishes more than one Environmental Tribunal, it shall 
specify territorial limits within which, or the class of cases in respect of which, each 
one of them shall exercise jurisdiction under this Act. 
(2) An Environmental Tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson who is, or 
has been, or is qualified for appointment as, a Judge of the High Court to be 
appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice o f the High Court and two 
members to be appointed by the 
89
[Government] of which at least one shall be a 
technical member with suitable professional qualifications and experience in the 
environmental field as may be prescribed. 
                                                      
88Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
89Substituted for the w ords “Federal Governmen t” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(3) For every sitting of the E nvironmental Tribunal, the presence of the 
Chairperson and not less than one Member shall be necessary. 
90
[(4) A decision of an Environmental Tribunal shall be expressed in terms of 
the opinion of the majority, or if the case has been decided by the Chairpe rson and 
only one of the members and there is a difference of opinion between them, the 
decision of the Environmental Tribunal shall be expressed in terms of the opinion of 
the Chairperson.] 
(5) An Environmental Tribunal shall not, merely by reason of a ch ange in 
its composition, or the absence of any member from any sitting, be bound to recall 
and rehear any witness who was given evidence, and may act on the evidence 
already recorded by, or produced, before it. 
(6) An Environmental Tribunal may hold its si ttings at such places within 
its territorial jurisdiction as the Chairperson may decide. 
(7) No act or proceeding of an Environmental Tribunal shall be invalid by 
reason only of the existence of vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of , the 
Environmental Tribunal. 
(8) The terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and members 
of the Environmental Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed. 
21. Jurisdiction and po wers of Environmental Tribunals .– (1) An 
Environmental Tribunal shall exercise such  powers and perform such functions as 
are, or may be, conferred upon or assigned to it by or under this Act, or the rules and  
regulations made thereunder. 
(2) All contravention punishable under sub -section (1) of section 17 shall 
exclusively be triable by an Environmental Tribunal.  
(3) An Environmental Tribunal shall not take cognizance of any offence 
triable under sub-section (2) except on a complaint in writing by– 
(a) the 
91
[Provincial Agency]  
92
[or an officer authorized by it ] or any 
Government Agency or local council; and 
(b) any aggrieved person, who has given notice of not less than thirty days 
to the 
93
[Provincial Agency ] 
94
[or an officer authorized by it ] of the 
alleged contravention and of his intention to make a complaint to the 
Environmental Tribunal. 
                                                      
90Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2 012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.15; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
91Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
92Inserted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2017 (XIX of 2017), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 08 November 2017, pp 3139 - 3140, s.4 
93Substituted for t he words “Federal Agency or the Provincial Agency concerned” by the Punjab Environmental Protection 
(Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.16; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 
41061-41065. 
94Inserted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2017 (XIX of 2017), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 08 November 2017, pp 3139 - 3140, s.4 
(4) In exercise of its criminal jurisdiction, the Environmental Tribunal shall 
have the same powers as are vested in Court of Session under the Code of Criminal 
Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898). 
(5) In exercise of the appellate jurisdiction under section  22 the 
Environmental Tribunal shall have the same powers and shall follow the same 
procedure as an appellate court in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 
1908). 
(6) In all matters with respect to which no procedure has been provided for 
in this 
95
[Act], the Environmental Trib unal shall follow the procedure l aid down in 
the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908). 
(7) An Environmental Tribunal may, on application filed by any officer duly 
authorised on this behalf by the Director -General of th e 
96
[Provincial Agency], issue 
bailable warrant for the arrest of any person against  whom reasonable suspicion 
exists of his having been involved in contravention punishable under sub -section (1) 
of section 17: 
Provided that such warrant shall be applied fo r, issued, and executed in 
accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 
1898): 
Provided further that if the person arrested executes a bond with sufficient 
sureties in accordance with the endorsement on the warrant, he s hall be released 
from custody, failing which he shall be taken or sent without delay to the officer -in-
charge of the nearest police station. 
(8) All proceedings before the Environmental Tribunal shall be deemed to 
be judicial proceedings within the meaning  of sections 193 and 228 of the Pakistan 
Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), and the Environmental Tribunal shall be deemed to 
be a court for the purposes of sections 480 and 482 of the Code of Criminal 
Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898). 
(9) No court other than an  Environmental Tribunal shall have or exercise 
any jurisdiction with res pect to any matter to which the jurisdiction of an  
Environmental Tribunal extends under this Act or the rules and regulations made 
thereunder. 
(10) Where the Environmental Tribunal is satisfied that a complaint made to 
it under sub-section (3) is false and vexatious to the knowledge of the complainant, it 
may, by an order, direct the complainant to pay to the person complained against 
such compensatory costs which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees. 
22. Appeals to the Environmental Tribunal .– (1) Any person aggrieved by any 
order or direction of the 
97
[Provincial Agency] under any provision of this  Act and 
rules or regulations mad e thereunder may refer an appeal with the Environme ntal 
Tribunal within thirty days of the date of communication of the impugned order or 
direction to such person. 
                                                      
95Misprinted in the Gazette as “Ordinance”. 
96Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or of Provincia l Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) 
Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.16; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
97Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or any Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) 
Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.17; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(2) An appeal to the Environmental Tribunal shall be in such form, contain 
such particulars and be accompanied by such fees as may be prescribe d. 
23. Appeals from orders of the Environmental Tribunal .–  (1) Any person 
aggrieved by any final order or by any sentence of the Environmental Tribunal 
passed under this  Act may, within thirty days of communication of such order or 
sentence, prefer an appeal to the High Court. 
(2) An appeal under sub -section (1) shall be heard by a Bench of not less 
than two Judges. 
24. Jurisdiction of Environmental Magistrates .– (1) Notwithstanding anything 
contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898 ), or any other law 
for the time being in force, but subject to the provisions of this Act, all contraventions 
punishable under sub -section (2) of section 17 shall exclusively be triable by a 
judicial Magistrate of the first class as Environmental Magistra te especially 
empowered in this behalf by the High Court. 
(2) An Environmental Magistrate shall be competent to impose any 
punishment specified in sub-sections (2) and (4) of section 17. 
(3) An Environmental Magistrate shall not take cognizance of an offen ce 
triable under sub-section (1) except on a complaint in writing by– 
(a) the 
98
[Provincial Agency], or Government Agency or local council; and 
(b) any aggrieved person. 
25. Appeals from orders of Environmental Magistrates .–  Any person 
convicted of any con travention of this  Act or the rules or regulations by an 
Environmental Magistrate may, within thirty days from the date of his conviction, 
appeal to the Court of Sessions, whose decision thereon shall be final.  
99
[26. Power to delegate .– The Government may , by notification in the official 
Gazette, delegate any of its or of the Provincial Agency’s powers or functions under 
this Act, the rules or the regulations to any Government Agency, local council or 
local authority.] 
100
[27. Power to give directions.– In the performance of its functions, the Provincial 
Agency shall be bound by the directions given to it in writing by the Government.] 
101
[28. Indemnity.– No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the 
Government, the Council, the Provincial Agency, the Director General of the Provincial 
                                                      
98Substituted for the words and comma “Federal Agency, Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Envi ronmental Protection 
(Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.18; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 
41061-41065. 
99Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.201 2, s.19; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
Section 27 substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 2012 (XXXV of 2012). 
101Substituted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (X XXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.21; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
Agency, members, officers, employees, experts, advisors, or consultants of the 
Provincial Agency or the Environmental Tribunal, an Environmental Magistrate or any 
other person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this 
Act or the rules or the regulations.] 
29. Dues recoverable as arrears of land revenue .– Any dues recoverable by 
the 
102
[Provincial Agency] under this Act, or the rules or regulations made thereunder 
shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue. 
30. Ordinance to override other laws .– The provisions of this  Act shall have 
effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for 
the time being in force. 
31. Power to make rules.– The 
103
[Government] may, by notification in the official 
Gazette, make rules for car rying out the purposes of this Act including rules for 
implementing the provisions of the international environmental agreements, 
specified in the Schedule to this Act. 
32. Power to amend the Schedule .– The 
104
[Government] may, by notification in 
the official Gazette, amend the Schedule so as to add any entry thereto or modify or 
omit any entry therein. 
33. Power to make regulations .– (1) For carrying out the purposes of this Act, 
the 
105
[Provincial Agency] may, by notification in the official Gazette and with the 
approval of the 
106
[Government], make regulations not inconsistent with the 
provisions of this  Act or the rules made thereunder. 
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the g enerality of the foregoing 
power, such regulations may provide for– 
(a) submission of periodical reports, data or information by any 
Government Agency, local authority or local council in respect of 
environmental matters; 
(b) preparation of emergency conti ngency plans for coping with 
environmental hazards and pollution caused by accidents, natural 
disasters and calamities; 
(c) appointment of officers, advisors, experts, consultants and employees;  
(d) levy of fees, rates and charges in respect of services r endered, actions 
taken and schemes implemented; 
                                                      
102Substituted for the words “Federal Agency or Provincial Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 
2012 (XXXV of 2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.22; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
103Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
104Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
105Substituted for the words “Federal Agency” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), 
w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
106Substituted for the w ords “Federal Government” by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 
2012), w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.2; and published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
(e) monitoring and measurement of discharges and emissions; 
(f) categorization of projects to which, and the manner in which, section 
12 applies; 
(g) laying down of guidelines for preparation of initial envir onmental 
examination and environmental impact assessment and Development 
of procedures for their filling, review and approval; 
(h) providing procedures for handling hazardous substances; and 
(i) installation of devices in, use of fuels by, and maintenance and testing 
of motor vehicles for control of air and noise pollution. 
34. Repeal, savings and succession .– (1) The Pakistan Environmental 
Protection Ordinance, 1983 (XXXVII of 1983) is hereby repealed. 
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Pakistan Environ mental Protection 
Ordinance, 1983 (XXVII of 1983), any rules or regulations or appointments made, 
orders passed, notifications issued, powers delegated, contracts entered into, 
proceedings commenced, rights acquired liabilities incurred, penalties, rates, fees or 
charges levied, things done or action taken under any provisions of that Ordinance 
shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, be deemed to 
have been made, passed, issued, delegated, entered into, commenced, acquired , 
incurred, levied, done or taken under this Act. 
107
[(3) * * * * * * * * * * *   ] 
108
[(4) Notwithstanding the omission of section 8 of the Act by the Punjab 
Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012), any rules, 
regulations or appointments made, orders passed, notifications issued, powers 
delegated, contracts entered into, proceedings taken, rights acquired, liabilities 
incurred, penalties imposed, rates, fees or charges levied or other things done or 
actions taken under the provisions of sa id section, shall continue to have effect 
unless recalled withdrawn or cancelled.] 
                                                      
107Omitted by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 201 2 (XXXV of 2012) , w.e.f.18.4.2012, s.23; and 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), pages 41061-41065. 
108Added by the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2017 (XIX of 2017), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 08 No vember 2017, pp 3139 - 3140, s.5; and deemed to have been so a dded on and from 18 April 
2012 when the Punjab Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act 2012 (XXXV of 2012 came into force. 
SCHEDULE 
(See section 31) 
1. International Plant Protection Convention, Rome, 1951. 
2. Plant Protection Agreement for the South -East Asia and Pacific Region (as 
amended), Rome, 1956. 
3. Agreement for the Establishment of a Commission for Controlling the Desert 
Locust in the Eastern Region of its Distribution Area in South -West Asia (as 
amended), Rome, 1963. 
4. Convention on Wetlands of International importance Especially as Waterfowl 
Habitat, Ramsar, 1971 and its amending Protocol, Paris, 1982. 
5. Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage 
(World Heritage Convention), Paris, 1972. 
6. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and 
Flora (CITES), Washington, 1973. 
7. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Bonn, 
1979. 
8. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Montego Bay, 1982. 
9. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Vienna, 1985.  
10. Montreal Protocol on S ubstances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Montreal, 
1987 and amendments thereto. 
11. Agreement on the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific, 
Bangkok, 1988. 
12. Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous 
Waste and Their Disposal, Basel, 1989. 
13. Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio De Janeiro, 1992. 
14. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Rio De Janeiro, 
1992.