- Punjab Minister emphasizes joint action to address rising smog.
- Lahore citizens complain of burning eyes and throat irritation.
- The minority card will be issued to eligible families.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation with the Indian state of Punjab to address the growing smog problem, describing the issue as a humanitarian crisis that requires joint action.
Speaking at an event in Lahore on Wednesday, the regional chief executive suggested she might write to her Indian counterpart, reiterating her commitment to “smog diplomacy”.
As the city’s air quality deteriorated, citizens continued to complain of burning eyes, throat irritation, coughing, and other health problems.
The top regional official made similar comments earlier this month, as Pakistan and arch-rival India continue to face dangerously high pollution levels due to monsoon smog.
She added that smog is a humanitarian issue, not a political one, and called for cooperative efforts to address it effectively. “If Punjab province does not join hands, we will not be able to fight smog.”
Relations between India and Pakistan have seen periods of warmth but have largely frozen since diplomatic ties were downgraded in tit-for-tat moves in 2019.
When cold temperatures take hold, pollution escalates. Lahore and Delhi are among the most polluted cities in the world, according to media reports.
Air quality deteriorates in the colder months, as temperature inversion traps pollution close to the ground, filling hospital wards with patients with respiratory problems.
Rising air pollution could cut life expectancy by more than five years per person in South Asia, one of the world’s most polluted regions, according to a report published last year that pointed to the growing burden of dangerous air on health.
Earlier this morning, Lahore took first place, while it currently ranks second with very unhealthy air quality after Delhi which occupies a place in the hazardous category.
However, despite their tense relations, the ice between the two countries broke with the arrival of Indian Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit earlier this month, according to an Indian journalist.
Minority card
Moreover, while addressing the ceremony, Punjab CM Maryam referred to minorities as the crown of her head and emphasized deep respect and commitment to their welfare.
She said the provincial government will launch the minority card to eligible families on December 20 across the province.
Wishing a happy Diwali to the Hindu community, Maryam announced a gift of Rs 15,000 each for 1,400 Hindu families.