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Maryam Nawaz Advocates Climate Diplomacy with India Amid Rising Smog Crisis
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz advocates for climate diplomacy with India to address the shared smog crisis, highlighting its humanitarian impact. She also announced a ‘Minority Card’ to aid vulnerable communities.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-30
Maryam Nawaz Advocates Climate Diplomacy with India Amid Rising Smog Crisis

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated her call for climate diplomacy with India on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating smog issue affecting both sides of the border. Speaking at a Diwali event in Lahore, she highlighted that pollution levels have been reaching alarming heights, with Lahore recently reported as the most polluted city in the world, hitting 708 points on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

 

The smog crisis, which typically worsens in the winter months, is exacerbated by a combination of factors including vehicle emissions, construction dust, and agricultural burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana states of India. Maryam pointed out the need for collaboration, stating, “We need to have diplomacy with India regarding the issue of smog in Lahore. This is not just a political issue; this is a humanitarian issue.” She expressed her intention to write to the Chief Minister of Punjab, India, urging a coordinated response to the environmental crisis.

 

Highlighting the interconnectedness of both regions, she remarked, “The winds don’t know there’s a border in the middle,” emphasizing that cooperation between the two Punjabs is crucial for effectively tackling the smog issue. Her comments echoed her previous statements calling for “climate diplomacy” on October 10, as the Punjab government takes steps to combat pollution.

 

Government Actions Against Pollution

 

In a broader context of environmental awareness, recent reports indicated that authorities have taken action against individuals contributing to pollution. In Punjab, at least 71 arrests have been made for offenses such as burning stubble and operating illegal brick kilns, while in Haryana, 16 farmers have faced similar consequences for stubble burning.

 

Launch of Minority Card Initiative

 

In addition to her environmental advocacy, CM Maryam announced the upcoming launch of a ‘Minority Card’ initiative, set to roll out on December 20, aimed at providing financial assistance to minority communities across Punjab. Each eligible individual will receive Rs10,500, with an initial rollout planned for 50,000 beneficiaries. Maryam expressed her commitment to expanding this initiative in the future, both in terms of the number of recipients and the financial aid provided.

 

Addressing issues faced by minorities, she reassured them of their safety and rights within the province. “It is our responsibility to provide a safe Pakistan, a safe Punjab for them so that they can stay in their houses safely,” she stated, acknowledging past incidents that have caused concern within minority communities.

 

Maryam also announced a Diwali gift of Rs15,000 to 1,400 families, reinforcing her government’s commitment to fostering peace and harmony among diverse communities in Punjab.

 

Concluding her remarks, she expressed hope for unity and coexistence under one flag, wishing everyone a happy Diwali.
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