Maryam proposes Beijing-Punjab working group to combat pollution

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz continued her visit to Shanghai with a packed schedule on her second day Thursday, focusing on education and environmental collaboration.

She visited the Shanghai Experimental School and Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she met Jiading District Director of Education Guan Wenji and the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xia Hongmei.

She received a detailed briefing on China’s education system during the visit. Officials highlighted that the Shanghai Experimental School provides free education in artificial intelligence to students aged 12-15 from Shanghai and surrounding areas.

The chief minister toured various departments and classrooms, observing modern teaching techniques in artificial intelligence. She reviewed AI projects created by students and engaged in discussions with both the students and their expert teachers. Additionally, she enquired about the school’s budget, curriculum and teaching methodologies. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz proposed establishing a joint working group with China to tackle environmental pollution in Punjab. The proposed Beijing-Punjab Working Group will focus on knowledge sharing, policymaking, capacity building, data exchange and technology transfer. Areas of collaboration will include green urban planning, green energy and e-transportation to reduce carbon emissions.

Addressing a special meeting on climate change and the environment in Shanghai, she said: “When I visited China after 32 years, I witnessed a transformed nation — a modern miracle of our time. China’s development serves as a beacon for Pakistan and other developing countries. It is a global leader in infrastructure, industrial advancement, and environmental management, having successfully controlled air pollution.”

She commended the efforts of China’s minister of environment, describing him as an expert whose policies have significantly improved air quality and enhanced public well-being. “The Chinese minister of environment has made a commendable impact by implementing effective and long-term measures. China’s commitment to environmental improvement is exemplary and inspires countries like Pakistan to follow suit,” she said.

The chief minister highlighted the challenges faced by Punjab, including worsening smog conditions. “Punjab, home to over 150 million people, is grappling with severe environmental issues. As the province’s chief executive, I am committed to creating a cleaner, greener Punjab where people feel cared for. Short, medium, and long-term plans are being implemented to combat smog, drawing inspiration from China’s ambitious and successful initiatives.”