Smog Crisis
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for enhanced cooperation between Pakistani Punjab and Indian Punjab to address the worsening smog situation, framing the issue as a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate and joint action.
Speaking at an event in Lahore on Wednesday, she expressed her commitment to the idea of “smog diplomacy” and indicated plans to write to her counterpart in Indian Punjab to foster cross-border cooperation on this pressing issue.
As air quality in Lahore deteriorates, with citizens reporting health issues such as burning eyes, throat irritation, and coughing, Maryam emphasized that tackling smog is not a political matter but a humanitarian one.
She stressed that both regions need to unite their efforts to mitigate the worsening conditions. “If both Punjabs do not join hands, we cannot effectively combat smog,” she remarked.
The issue of air pollution has become increasingly severe as cooler weather sets in, trapping pollution closer to the ground and leading to more health problems.
Lahore and Delhi, both among the world’s most polluted cities, face heightened smog levels during this season. Reports indicate that air pollution in South Asia is so severe that it can reduce life expectancy by more than five years in some regions.
Maryam Nawaz’s remarks come amid long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, with diplomatic ties largely frozen since 2019.
However, there has been some recent interaction between the two nations, as India’s Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Pakistan earlier this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
This visit, according to some reports, may signal a possible thaw in relations, which could provide an opportunity for joint efforts on shared environmental concerns such as smog.
In addition to addressing environmental issues, Maryam also used the event to announce the launch of a new welfare initiative for minority communities in the province.
She referred to minorities as the “crown of her head,” underscoring her government’s commitment to their welfare. The Minority Card program, set to launch on December 20, will provide financial assistance to deserving families.
As a gesture of goodwill, she also extended Diwali wishes to the Hindu community and announced a Rs15,000 grant for 1,400 Hindu families.
This dual focus on climate action and minority welfare highlights Maryam’s broader governance agenda, aimed at addressing both urgent environmental issues and social justice concerns within Punjab.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
