Maryam launches joint environmental initiatives with China

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif spent an eventful second day in China on Tuesday, holding high-profile meetings with Chinese officials and advocating for enhanced collaboration in environmental management, governance and cultural exchange. 

During her visit, she met with key Chinese ministers and attended a luncheon hosted by the Communist Party of China. A significant outcome of her discussions was the decision to establish the Beijing-Punjab Clean Air Working Group to combat smog, promote biodiversity and improve air quality. 

She emphasised the importance of adopting advanced air quality management systems, environment-friendly technologies and energy-efficient solutions while proposing twin cities and provinces partnerships to strengthen Pakistan-China relations.

In a meeting with Minister Liu Jianchao of the International Department of the Communist Party, CM Maryam expressed her appreciation for China’s visionary leadership and its commitment to fostering Pakistan-China ties. She said, “Pakistan-China friendship is as strong and tested as steel. Our strategic partnership transcends the vicissitudes of regional and international politics.”

She also highlighted the Punjab government’s focus on benefiting from China’s expertise in local governance, youth empowerment, vocational training and climate change solutions.

The chief minister also met with Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, where both sides discussed comprehensive environmental cooperation, including biodiversity protection, afforestation, smog eradication and waste management. Plans to establish a model city in Punjab for environmental improvement were also deliberated.

In her remarks, CM Maryam said, “We aim to adopt China’s modern environmental models to tackle climate challenges in Punjab. Our long-term partnership with China is integral to the region’s sustainability and prosperity.”

Minister Huang praised CM Maryam’s initiatives to prevent smog and improve environmental conditions in Punjab, emphasizing China’s support in areas like green urban planning, technology transfer and environment-friendly transportation.

Maryam also met with Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairperson of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and a senior member of the Communist Party. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China.

Li lauded her leadership, saying her deep understanding of governance and international relations, and highlighted the enduring trust between the two nations. The chief minister reiterated her administration’s dedication to advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and fostering mutual prosperity.

In her International Human Rights Day message, Maryam Nawaz said, “Every human being has fundamental rights, irrespective of race, religion, gender or status.”

She underscored Islam’s advocacy for human rights and the Punjab government’s efforts to uphold these principles by ensuring access to education, health and justice for all citizens.

She appealed to the public, “Promote love, respect, and tolerance to protect human rights. This is the path to societal prosperity.”