Experts mull over steps to curb pollution

LAHORE:In a meeting with a delegation of Chinese environmentalists, Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Secretary Local Government, underscored the imperative of understanding the underlying causes of smog.

He asserted that seeking suggestions and collaboration with Chinese environment experts could prove instrumental in this endeavour. Expressing a commitment to sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, Dr Qazi highlighted a significant initiative by the transport department. He said electric bikes and rickshaws are being provided to combat smog and enhance the air quality index. The Local Government Department is actively engaged in installing wastewater treatment and solid waste management plants as part of ongoing development projects, contributing to the broader mission of environmental protection. Special Secretary Asiya Gul briefed the delegation on the challenges and measures taken against environmental pollution in Punjab.

Underlining the importance of practical steps grounded in scientific principles, the Chinese delegation presented various proposals for tackling environmental pollution, expressing full cooperation at all levels.

Chinese Consul General Zhao Shirin emphasised the meeting’s purpose as an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Meanwhile, Chinese Counsel General Zhao Shiren and Planning and Development (P&D) Board Chairman Iftikhar Ali Sahoo jointly chaired a meeting with Chinese and Punjab environmental experts here Wednesday.

The Chinese specialists were given a thorough presentation on the actions taken by the Punjab government to address the environmental issues. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stated that the Punjab government has adopted special measures to resolve environmental issues.

Consul General of China, Zhao Shiren, stated that environmental contamination is becoming a concern on a global scale. He declared that China and Pakistan would work together to eradicate environmental contamination and that the Chinese environmental specialists’ visit to Punjab would be beneficial in resolving this grave issue. Environment experts from china shared their experiences and suggestions to resolve the environment issues.