Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz plans to address the urgent smog crisis by contacting her counterpart in Indian Punjab. During a Diwali celebration in Lahore, she highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation on this pressing issue, calling it a humanitarian challenge rather than a political one.
The Diwali event, held on October 30, 2024, at 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, hosted over 1,400 Hindu families. Maryam distributed checks of Rs 15,150 to support their festivities. Lights and traditional Rangoli designs decorated the venue, reflecting the cultural significance of Diwali. Diplomats from the U.S., U.K., and other nations attended, emphasizing the event’s international ties.
Maryam warmly engaged with attendees, inviting female diplomats to the stage and sharing traditional sweets. She stressed the need for cooperation on smog, saying, “Smog is a human issue, not just political. Both Punjabs must work together.”
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan scheduled a special session to tackle Lahore’s escalating smog crisis. He highlighted the severe air pollution and urged immediate action.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb recently targeted four industrial units in Lahore for failing to install emission controls. The Punjab Environment Protection Department inspected 941 vehicles, fining 234 for emissions and impounding 72. Maryam Aurangzeb reiterated CM Maryam Nawaz’s strict directive against pollution.
Authorities mandated face masks in response to Lahore’s poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit dangerous levels, peaking at 520, averaging 198 on Tuesday. CM Maryam Nawaz ordered rigorous enforcement of environmental laws. Officials grounded 2,500 faulty vehicles, sealed 469 factories, and demolished brick kilns. Police filed 318 FIRs against those burning crop residue, leading to several arrests. These actions aim to improve air quality and protect public health.
