Suthra Punjab Authority Bill passed: New law prescribes jail term, heavy fine for burning solid waste

Sat, February 07, 2026

#PJNJusticeWatch #ClimateJusticeAction Under the bill, which will turn into a law after endorsement by the governor, stringent punishments have been laid down in Schedule B for serious violations.

Burning of solid waste inside or outside private premises, or at public places by individuals, establishments, or factories, will attract a fine up to Rs500,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.

Similarly, obstructing or hindering a waste management inspector or any authorised official during the performance of duties under the Act may result in a fine up to Rs500,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both.

The Act also penalizes the burning of tyres as fuel by individuals or commercial entities.

Meanwhile, Schedule A of the Act deals with a range of civic and sanitation-related offences, for which fines of varying amounts will be imposed. These include throwing or dumping garbage, litter, or refuse on streets, roads, or places not designated for waste disposal by the authority. Property owners or occupiers will also be fined for failing to arrange proper disposal of waste within or outside their premises as directed by the agency.

The law further makes it mandatory for owners and occupiers of premises to maintain cleanliness in front of houses, shops, offices, factories etc, up to adjoining public streets or roads.

Failure to properly maintain, clean, disinfect, repair, or manage latrines, drains, cesspools and other waste receptacles will also invite penalties.

Copyright © 2026 pjn.org.pk