Pakistan’s Punjab seeks US expertise to combat Lahore’s growing smog crisis

Commuters make their way amid smog in Lahore on November 1, 2024. (AFP)

• Maryam Nawaz Sharif discusses the issue with USAID officials, urges bilateral cooperation
• Punjab CM also seeks collaboration in trade, renewable energy, health care and education

ISLAMABAD: The provincial administration of Punjab expressed interest in leveraging American expertise and technology to address environmental issues on Friday as pollution levels in the eastern city of Lahore has hit dangerous highs in recent weeks.
The idea of collaborating with the United States over the issue came up for discussion during a meeting between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) amid Lahore’s consistent ranking among the world’s most polluted cities.
The Punjab administration has decided to tackle the issue head-on, rolling out several initiatives aimed at reducing the city’s hazardous smog such as implementing mandatory face masks, suspending outdoor school activities and a ban on fireworks for about three months.
The Punjab government also introduced “green lockdown” earlier this week to bolster these efforts, limiting pollution-heavy activities in the city’s worst-affected areas, though local media reports say the enforcement of these measures remains inconsistent.
The issue of air quality in Lahore was one of the focal points during Sharif’s meeting with the USAID officials at her office, according to a statement from the provincial government.
“During the discussion, matters of mutual interest, strengthening US-Pakistan relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields were addressed,” the statement said.
“Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s intent to benefit from the US expertise in green energy and advanced technology to combat climate change and environmental pollution,” it added.
Both sides also agreed to deepen collaboration in other areas, including trade, renewable energy, women’s economic empowerment, health care and education.
Sharif highlighted her government’s initiatives for women’s safety, such as the “panic button” and virtual police stations.
She noted that modern internships are being provided to nurture a skilled workforce within the province.
The chief minister emphasized that Pakistan, particularly under the present government, has made strides toward becoming safer and more peaceful, setting new benchmarks in governance and transparency.
She praised the country’s achievements in combating extremism and militancy, stressing the importance of further enhancing collaboration between Washington and Islamabad in the area.
The discussion also included opportunities to boost investment to meet future demands of the two countries and strengthen connections between their people.