Maryam Nawaz Proposes ‘Smog Diplomacy’ with India to Address Cross-Border Pollution

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has underscored the need for joint efforts with Indian Punjab to address the rising smog levels, framing the issue as a humanitarian crisis that demands cross-border cooperation.

Speaking at an event in Lahore on Wednesday, Maryam Nawaz expressed her commitment to “smog diplomacy,” suggesting that she may reach out to her Indian counterpart to explore collaborative solutions. With air quality deteriorating, Lahore residents continue to experience burning eyes, throat irritation, coughing, and other health problems due to the worsening smog.

Describing smog as a “humanitarian issue, not a political one,” Maryam Nawaz stressed that only through cooperation between both Punjabs can the smog crisis be effectively addressed. “If both Punjabs do not join hands, we cannot battle smog,” she stated.

Her remarks come amid prolonged diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India, whose relations have largely remained stalled since the downgrading of diplomatic ties in 2019. Yet, as seasonal smog engulfs the region, both Lahore and Delhi rank among the world’s most polluted cities, making this a shared challenge that affects millions on both sides of the border.