Uniting Against Smog: A Cross-Border Call to Action

Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab, emphasizes the need for collaborative action with Indian Punjab to combat the common problem of smog. Addressing it as a humanitarian issue rather than a political one, she calls for climate diplomacy to benefit people across both regions affected by this environmental challenge.

In a historic appeal transcending political boundaries, Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, has urged for a unified front with Indian Punjab to battle the shared adversary—smog. Labeling the crisis a humanitarian concern, Nawaz emphasized the necessity of cross-border cooperation for resolution.

Speaking at a Diwali event, Nawaz announced her intention to reach out formally to Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, advocating for joint climate diplomacy. 'Smog isn't divided by our political borders,' she asserted, highlighting the urgent need for collective action as Lahore's air quality dips alarmingly.

Amid hazardous conditions, including potential artificial rainfall to reduce pollution, Nawaz called for India's cooperation. As meteorological factors exacerbate the issue, the region's shared air quality crisis demands bilateral strategies, vital to ensuring public health and mitigating environmental damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)