LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared the fight against smog and climate change a “mission,” emphasizing that environmental protection is now a non-negotiable pillar of her government’s policy framework.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion at the COP-30 Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil, the Chief Minister outlined Punjab’s ambitious green transformation plan, marking a decisive shift toward sustainability. She announced a major financial boost to the province’s anti-smog budget—from Rs94 billion to Rs123 billion—to accelerate eco-friendly fuel adoption and innovative waste-to-energy projects.
Her roadmap includes a large-scale push for electric mobility, with plans to introduce 1,500 electric buses, 120,000 e-bikes and rickshaws, and 1,100 electric taxis, supported by 10 automated rapid transit systems aimed at revolutionizing urban transport.
The “Suthra Punjab” initiative is addressing the massive challenge of 50,000 tons of daily waste by converting landfill sites into solar parks and green forests. The Lakhodair Pilot Project has already begun generating energy from methane, setting a precedent for circular energy innovation.
To curb agricultural pollution, Punjab is collaborating with SUPARCO and NASA to monitor and reduce crop residue burning by 65%, alongside distributing 5,000 climate-smart farming machines. An AI-powered “Smog War Room” now integrates real-time data from 100 air quality stations to combat pollution more effectively.
Maryam Nawaz noted that Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, remains among the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations—a reality underscored by the devastating 2025 floods that submerged 27 districts. The newly launched “Punjab Climate Resilient 2025 Initiative” aims to rebuild communities with foresight and sustainability.
Her climate leadership earned praise from former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who lauded Punjab’s “exemplary and rapid” environmental progress.
In a separate statement, the Chief Minister condemned the recent suicide blast in Islamabad, expressing condolences for the victims and vowing that terrorists “will be brought to an end,” while commending the safe evacuation of Cadet College Wana students as a symbol of national resolve.
