Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed her desire to work with India to tackle the urgent problem of smog affecting the region.
During a Diwali event held in Lahore, she stressed the need for diplomatic collaboration between Indian and Pakistani Punjab to develop effective strategies for addressing air pollution.
In her speech, Nawaz highlighted the significance of unity among all citizens, proclaiming, “We are all Pakistanis, regardless of our backgrounds.”
She also extended her best wishes to the Hindu community for Diwali and emphasized her dedication to safeguarding minority rights, describing minorities as a source of pride for the nation.
Nawaz revealed plans to launch a minority card program, which will provide eligible individuals with a financial benefit of 10,500 rupees.
Furthermore, she announced that 1,400 families would receive 15,000 rupees each as a Diwali bonus, reaffirming the government’s commitment to increasing funding for minority welfare initiatives.
Regarding the smog crisis, she asserted that it is primarily a humanitarian issue, not a political one.
Maryam Nawaz mentioned that she is considering reaching out to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab to enhance cooperation on this pressing concern.
The air quality in Lahore has deteriorated dramatically, with the city recently recorded as the world’s most polluted, reaching an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 707.
An AQI above 301 is classified as hazardous, underscoring the severity of the situation, according to IQAir.com.
In related news, the Lahore High Court has issued a formal order concerning a new petition aimed at addressing the smog issue, requesting input from the Environment Department and other relevant stakeholders.
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