Maryam Nawaz calls for diplomacy with India to tackle smog

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that diplomatic efforts with India were essential to combat the worsening smog crisis as she said she is considering writing a letter to the chief minister of Indian Punjab for joint action.

Maryam Nawaz hosted a Diwali celebration at Lahore’s 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, where the venue was adorned with traditional oil lamps and rangoli.

During the event, she distributed Rs15,000 checks as gifts to 1,400 Hindu families each.

In her speech, CM Nawaz emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the two Punjabs, saying, “The smog issue is not a political one but a humanitarian concern. Until both sides unite, we cannot effectively combat this problem.”

Also read: Lahore schools open with new timings amid high smog alert

She further expressed her intention to formally reach out to her Indian counterpart.

Maryam Nawaz also cut a Diwali cake alongside Hindu women, sharing the treat with them.

Provincial cabinet members, the chief secretary and senior officials along with diplomats from the US, the UK and other countries were also present.

She invited women diplomats, dressed in lehengas and traditional attire, to join her on stage, where she sat among Hindu women, holding a young child on her lap.

Maryam Nawaz also announced initiatives for minority communities, including the issuance of special ID cards, the establishment of a virtual police station for minority support, and the development of neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by minority groups.