From Abid Usman
LAHORE: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Azma Bokhari has called for the attention of Indian Punjab Chief Minister on the issue of smog.
Information minister stressed that smog was the joint environmental issue across both sides of the border. Bokhari was dismayed over the Indian Punjab CM’s response to the dialogue about smog. She emphasised that the Indian Punjab CM must be serious about this grave issue affecting both sides of the Punjab. It is pertinent to note that Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz decided to write a letter to her counterpart for smog diplomacy to tackle this issue. Indian Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann responded to Nawaz’s statement, saying, “The government of Lahore and Delhi both say the same. It seems like our pollution is forming a circle and moving around. I will say to Maryam Nawaz, ‘You can write a letter too’.”
Mann stated that his government was being accused for their smoky polluted air.
Earlier, Punjab Minister for Information Azma Bokhari has announced that Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz would soon write a letter to Indian Punjab CM to mitigate the issue of smog.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the information minister said that crops burning and firecracking in India were the major causes of smog in Lahore, precautionary measures could be taken by India considering the sensitivity of smog issues.
Minister also announced that artificial rain was on the cards, and the Department of Meteorological and Environment would be taken in the loop for the said purpose.
Artificial rain could only be introduced when clouds are present and having prerequisites, Bokhari stated. Decision on vacations for smog will be made soon.
She said that smog wasn’t the recent issue; previously no initiatives were taken but now the PML-N government was enforcing SOPs and demolished brick kilns to combat smog.
She stated that Imran Khan himself advocated for the military trial in the past, now he should also undergo military trial for attacking military installations on May 9. Bokhari lamented PTI, saying it had no concern for public service and national progress but only they aimed to create anarchy and destabilization. They manipulate youth and farmers to create chaos in the country, she berated political opponent, PTI.
She claimed that KP Advisor for Information was labelling the deal and NRO as reconciliation behind the release of PTI women’s release.
Bokhari highlighted Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives, model agriculture malls in Sargodha, Multan, Bahawalpur and Sahiwal would be established where latest agriculture tools on rent would be available to farmers.
Maryam Nawaz was committed to serve public and she initiated successful projects including Kissan Card, Air Ambulance Service and now Minority Card would be introduced soon.
Farmers would be given super seeder that would carry out four tasks simultaneously and will help in controlling smog. Around 5,000 super seeders would be provided to farmers this year.
