Skip to main content

Pakistan, World Bank join hands to combat smog in Islamabad

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine met in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss joint initiatives to tackle smog and advance sustainable development in the capital.

Caused by toxic pollutants, smog has engulfed several cities in Punjab over the past month, with Lahore and Multan being the worst hit. The AQI reading in Multan has already crossed 2,000 twice, setting a new record for air pollution.

The Punjab government has declared an emergency in Lahore and Multan, while the effects have also been felt in the federal capital, where the air quality became “very unhealthy” two weeks ago.

During their meeting, Naqvi and Benhassine decided to form a joint team of the World Bank and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to work together on an anti-smog plan, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Minister Naqvi emphasised the urgency of addressing the alarming AQI figures, which reached 271 this year in the federal capital.

“Before the situation becomes hazardous, we must urgently implement a comprehensive anti-smog strategy,” he was quoted as saying.

Discussions also centred on key areas of mutual interest, which included expanding the electric bus service, improving sanitation, providing clean water, as well as upgrading slums and rural areas.

Naqvi highlighted the efforts to maintain Islamabad’s status as one of the world’s most beautiful capitals, noting ongoing reviews of anti-smog machine installations.

The minister expressed his confidence that the collaborative efforts would ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for Islamabad’s residents and visitors alike.

Meanwhile, Benhassine reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to assist Pakistan in achieving its sustainable development goals, including air quality improvement and urban development.

“We are ready to work with the CDA to develop an effective anti-smog strategy,” he stated, adding that international standard reports would help address the root causes of pollution.

The meeting was attended by the federal interior secretary, the CDA chairman, the Islamabad deputy commissioner, and other relevant officials.



from The Dawn News - Home https://ift.tt/c3k1MeA

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani skipping home run derby

Baseball’s biggest star is skipping the home run derby. Shohei Ohtani confirmed after Tuesday’s win over the Diamondbacks that he will not be participating as he continues to rehab an elbow injury that has prevented him from pitching this season. “There’s been some conversations going on,” Ohtani said, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com . “I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating.” Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani and the club reached the decision together. Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers after winning his second AL MVP award last season with the Angels. Despite his elbow injury, he has served as the Dodgers’ primary DH this season and been one of the most productive hitters in baseball. Ohtani entered Tuesday hitting .316/.399/.635 with a 1.034 OPS. He hit his NL-leading 27th home run in the win. Ohtani had previously participated in the Derby in 2021. Last season’s champion, Vlad...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pakistan flag installed at UNSC as country becomes non-permanent member for 8th time

The Pakistani national flag was installed in front of the United Nations Security Council chamber, as the country began its eighth term as a non-permanent member (2025-26) of the 15-member body, according to a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations on Thursday. Pakistan on Wednesday began a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Elected in June to replace Japan, Pakistan now occupies one of the two Asia-Pacific seats on the UNSC. It will preside over the council in July, a key opportunity to set the agenda and foster dialogue. View this post on Instagram This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the council, providing an opportunity to shape discussions on pivotal international issues, but also posing significant challenges. “As part of the joining ceremony, flags of the five new incoming non-permanent members — Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panam...
Post a Comment
Read more

Medical supplies dispatched to snowbound Neelum valley

MUZAFFARABAD: Acting on the directives of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, a truck carrying essential medical equipment was dispatched on Friday to support a medical mission in the snow-affected areas of Neelum Valley. The supplies included an ultrasound machine, delivery tables, delivery kits, and gynecological emergency equipment, which were urgently required to cater to medical emergencies in the snowbound villages of Halmat and Janawai in the Gurez sub-valley of Neelum. On Thursday, a seven-member emergency medical response team—comprising four male and three female doctors—was airlifted to the upper reaches of Neelum Valley using military helicopters. This collaborative effort with the Pakistan Army was initiated following reports of insufficient healthcare facilities and rising medical emergencies in these isolated areas. Road to Taobutt cleared for the first time in January amid freezing temperatures On the night of January 18, a 21-year-o...
Post a Comment
Read more