The Punjab government will collaborate with China to counter smog, improve the environment, enhance biodiversity, protect wildlife and promote afforestation.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is currently on an 8-day tour of China. In her meeting with Chinese Minister for Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu on Tuesday, the two formed a joint working group, the Beijing-Punjab Clean Air, aiming to exchange environmental expertise, coordinate policies, enhance capacity building, monitor and share data, plan green urban projects and transfer technology.
According to the draft agreement, China would assist the Punjab province in launching environmentally friendly energy and transportation initiatives. Punjab would also devise and implement an advanced air quality management system with Beijing’s cooperation. Both sides have agreed to utilize China’s expertise in developing an e-transport system in Punjab.
The agreement also calls for China to support Punjab in the agricultural sector by introducing eco-friendly machinery and sustainable farming practices. It would provide assistance in hydropower development and efficient water utilization.
During the meeting, Minister Huang briefed Nawaz on environmental protection measures and ecosystem preservation. Both sides also discussed biodiversity, wildlife protection, and afforestation projects.
The Punjab chief minister informed the Chinese officials about her government’s plans to develop model cities in Punjab for environmental improvements. “We want to adopt China’s advanced environmental models to address climate change in Punjab,” she said, adding that her administration had launched Punjab’s first comprehensive smog prevention and environmental improvement plan. She also informed the Chinese officials about ongoing large-scale afforestation and forest restoration projects in Punjab.
“Pakistan and China are iron brothers, and CPEC is critical for Pakistan’s development,” she said, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. She said the second phase of CPEC, focusing on environmentally friendly energy projects, held immense significance for Pakistan. The Chinese officials, according to a statement, assured the chief minister of their cooperation in urban environmental protection and sustainable development projects.