Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Internship Program on Climate Resilience Leadership on Wednesday to boost awareness among the youth about the importance of climate change, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Punjab Chief Minister has also inaugurated Pakistan's first smog hotline "1374" and “Green Punjab App”. CM Maryam Nawaz inspected the Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Station and anti-smog squad and electric bikes. She visited furniture made from recycled plastic, inspected the swing and other items.
During the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif sat among the interns instead of her seat. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb informed the participants of the meeting about the measures taken by the government to redress environmental threats. Vehicle inspection system was introduced for the first time in Punjab. She said the first comprehensive plan to combat climate change and smog is going to be implemented.
She said on the instructions of Chief Minister, the monthly honorarium of the intern is being increased. Funding has been ensured along with policy documents. Marriyum Aurangzeb said Punjab will take lead in efforts to combat climate change and smog.
Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bukhari, Provincial Ministers Chaudhry Shafi Hussain, Sher Ali Gurchani, Sahib Ahmed Malik, Kazim Pirzada, Ramesh Singh Arora, Ashiq Hussain, Chief Secretary and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Later addressing the ceremony, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said as the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, she had never made fake promises.
CM Maryam said: “I want to see Punjab shifting on electric vehicles. The fitness certificates are busing issued to the vehicles.” “We are bringing strict rules and regulations. By the rules and regulations, it will be hard to indulge in the wrongdoings,” she said. Speaking about smog, CM Maryam said: “The smog control room has been made to control the situation in the province.” She admitted that the masses were facing the health challenges. “Action is much against the things which pollute the environment,” she said. “We have also started the surveillance of the industry as the air quality index (AQI) increases due to the industries,” she said. “We want to do climate diplomacy with India,” she said. “The topics of smog will be included in the school syllabus. The smog theme will be kept in school from October 15 to November 15,” she stated.
Reporter: Rao Dilshad