In a major step toward tech-driven environmental governance, the Punjab government has introduced Pakistan’s first artificial intelligence-based EcoBot, a digital assistant that allows citizens to check real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in major cities across the province.
Officials say the new system is designed not only to inform people but also to assist them in protecting themselves from the bad impacts of air pollution.
What EcoBot Does
According to Environment Protection Department (EPD) Secretary Sajid Bashir, EcoBot offers citizens instant access to AQI updates for cities such as:
• Lahore
• Faisalabad
• Rawalpindi
• Multan
The AI-powered assistant responds to user queries in real time and shares up-to-date air quality readings based on the department’s official monitoring systems.
But the tool isn’t limited to data-sharing. EcoBot interacts like a virtual guide, offering:
• Health tips during high smog or pollution days
• Advice for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and asthma patients
• Daily precautions like mask use, indoor ventilation, and reduced outdoor activity
• Awareness messages about environmental protection and public responsibility
A Digital Bridge Between People and Policymakers
Bashir kept on saying that the initiative is taken to create direct engagement between the public and the Environment Protection Department, reducing delays in accessing vital health-related information.
“We want to modernize how the public interacts with government institutions,” he said. “EcoBot allows citizens to stay informed, take precautions, and participate in environmental protection efforts.”
He noted that Punjab is increasingly turning to digital tools to nip the evils of smog, industrial emissions, and climate change in the bud. The EcoBot is part of a broader push to make environmental data more transparent and publicly accessible.
Technology Meets Public Health
Air pollution has become one of the most strenuous challenges in Punjab, with Lahore ranking among the world’s most polluted cities during the winter smog season.
By giving residents real-time updates rather than relying on delayed news reports or guesswork, officials believe EcoBot can help:
• Reduce exposure to toxic air
• Support decision-making for schools, offices, and outdoor workers
• Encourage compliance with health advisories
• Promote citizen participation in sustainability measures
A Step Toward Smarter Environmental Management
Government officials are claiming that this is the first AI-backed tool of its kind in Pakistan’s environmental sector. They kept on saying that EcoBot is going to evolve over time, potentially integrating more features such as
- Pollution source reporting
- Complaint registration
- Localized alerts
“The idea is to use technology not just for monitoring, but for educating, and mobilizing and guiding the masses,” Bashir explained. “A cleaner and greener Punjab is only possible when people are informed and involved.”
With the launch of EcoBot, Punjab has signaled its intention to merge innovation with environmental action—giving citizens both the information and the agency to protect their health and surroundings.