Punjab CM launches internship programme for environment

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday commended the flour mills association’s decision to call off the strike.

Welcoming the decision, the Punjab CM said, “The flour mills association will not hold any strike against the imposition of withholding tax in Punjab.” On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the leadership of the flour mills association was convinced during the talks to call off their strike.

The chief minister thanked the chairman and other leaders of the association for unanimously deciding on not holding any strike in Punjab.

She expressed her apprehension over flour shortage and expensive bread for the people as a result of the strike, adding that poor people will incur a major financial loss in the shape of price hike of wheat and flour. She promised that she would play a vigorous and proactive role in the resolution of legitimate reservations and issues of the flour mills association. She added there was no need to hold any sort of protest for the resolution of due problems.

Meanwhile, on the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, “Mera Punjab Smog Free” Chief Minister Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme has been launched by taking durable steps for an improvement of environment in Punjab. “We need to undertake steps collectively for the permanent elimination of smog. Under the Smog-Free Punjab Initiative, the young graduates will render distinctive community service. The graduates completing their degrees in the last two years can apply,” she said.

Maryam added the internees will be paid Rs25,000 scholarship per month under the Chief Minister Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme. It provides a platform for community service and environmental protection.

The CM said registration in the Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme can be done by July 20, 2024. The youths between the ages of 18 and 25 will be awarded “Community Service Certificate” on the completion of their internship programme. The Community Service Certificate will be given on behalf of the Environment Protection Department and Punjab Higher Education Commission. CM Maryam Nawaz appealed to citizens to support the government in its efforts for resolving the serious and hazardous issue of smog. She urged them to undertake maximum plantation along with mitigating smoke emission from vehicles and factories. She exhorted to reduce the usage of plastic and refrain from burning the crops stubble and residue. She said, “Punjab government’s result-oriented steps will reduce the intensity of smog during the current year.”