Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between Pakistan and India, particularly between the two Punjabs, to combat the rising smog crisis.
Describing smog as a “humanitarian issue,” she emphasized that joint action is essential to address the problem effectively.
Speaking at an event in Lahore, CM Maryam indicated her intent to write to her Indian counterpart, reiterating the importance of “climate diplomacy” to confront the worsening air quality.
As Lahore’s air quality continues to deteriorate, residents are increasingly reporting health issues like burning eyes, throat irritation, and persistent coughs. The chief minister underscored that pollution knows no borders and urged both nations to come together to mitigate its harmful effects.
“Smog is not a political issue but a shared human crisis,” she stated. “If the two Punjabs don’t join hands, we will not be able to tackle this growing threat.”
Despite the strained relations between India and Pakistan, which have largely remained frozen since diplomatic ties were downgraded in 2019, CM Maryam’s call for cooperation comes at a time when both Lahore and Delhi consistently rank among the world’s most polluted cities.
Air quality in these cities takes a sharp decline during cooler months due to temperature inversion, which traps pollutants closer to the ground, leading to an increase in respiratory illnesses. A report from last year warned that rising air pollution could reduce life expectancy in South Asia by over five years per person.
Earlier today, Lahore was ranked as having the second worst air quality in the world, following Delhi, which is in the hazardous category.
While addressing another key issue, CM Maryam announced the launch of the “Minority Card” initiative, aimed at supporting underprivileged minority families. The card will be rolled out on December 20, providing financial assistance to deserving households. In celebration of Diwali, she also announced a gift of Rs15,000 for each of 1,400 Hindu families.