Indian Punjab CM Mann pokes fun at CM Maryam over her smog remarks 

Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is famous for his humorous remarks, has poked fun on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on her statement when she said smog situation was aggravating in Lahore due to pollution and smog coming from Indian Punjab. 

Addressing in meeting, Indian Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann humorously remarked that “after Delhi, Pakistani Punjab CM was accusing them of air pollution, it seems as if Punjab's pollution is somehow circulating in a loop”. His remarks went viral on social media and everyone enjoyed his befitting remarks. 

On the occasion, Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also advocated for a collaborative approach to tackle the air pollution issue, urging against a 'blame game' among states and neighbor. 

His remarks came in response to criticism from Pakistan Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who claimed that smog from India's Punjab, was affecting Lahore. Mann humorously noted that with Delhi also alleging that Punjab's pollution affects its air quality, it seems as if Punjab's pollution is somehow circulating in a loop.

Stubble burning is a well-known issue in Punjab and Haryana after the paddy harvest in October and November. To quickly prepare their fields for the Rabi season and plant wheat, farmers often burn crop residue, which releases large amounts of smoke and contributes significantly to air pollution in northern India, including Delhi.

The proximity between the harvesting of paddy and the sowing of the next crop puts farmers under pressure, leading to widespread stubble burning as an efficient yet environmentally harmful solution. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has indicated plans to write a letter to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab regarding the urgent smog crisis affecting both regions.

Speaking at a Diwali celebration in Lahore, she underscored the necessity of diplomatic engagement with India to address this pressing environmental issue, describing it as a humanitarian rather than purely political concern. During the festive event, held on 30th October 2024 at 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Maryam Nawaz hosted over 1,400 Hindu families, distributing checks of Rs 15,150 each to support their celebrations. The event was vibrantly decorated with lights and traditional Rangoli designs, highlighting the cultural significance of Diwali. The celebration drew participation from diplomats representing the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations, signifying the importance of international ties and community integration.