Lahore, Oct 30 (UNI) Attempting to establish ‘climate diplomacy’ with India, Pakistan’s Punjab province Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for collaboration between the two neighbours to tackle the issue of rising smog, a major health and environmental concern in both regions.
Addressing a Diwali celebration in Lahore by the Hindu community, Maryam Nawaz said she is considering writing a letter to the Indian Punjab’s chief minister (Bhagwant Mann) to highlight the importance of joint cooperation on the issue.
Maryam asserted that both sides on the Punjab border must work together to find effective solutions.
She said: “Smog is not a political but a humanitarian issue. I am considering writing a letter to Indian Punjab’s chief minister.
“Air doesn’t know the border between two countries. Until both Punjabs come together, we won’t be able to tackle the issue of smog,” she said.
“And if we’re also taking steps towards this, then there should be a matching response from the Indian side,” she added.
She congratulated the Hindu community on the Diwali celebrations and reaffirmed her commitment to protecting minority rights, calling minorities a source of national pride.
Last week, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called on Lahore residents to “declare war on smog”. She noted that 30 per cent of the city’s smog hovered over from India.
Air pollution is a major issue in both India and Pakistan. Lahore’s AQI score went up to 700 (considered very dangerous) on October 28.
Following this, the Pakistan government has issued an order notifying that schools will now open at 8:45 AM for students, effective from October 28 until January 31, 2025, as per ARY.
Additionally, student assemblies will be conducted in classrooms rather than outdoor spaces, and all outdoor activities have been temporarily suspended.
The notification also enforces a strict ban on fireworks in Lahore until January 31, 2025. Authorities have advised the public to use masks and other protective measures to minimize exposure to smog.
UNI RN