Smog knows no borders, Pakistan minister says ‘Punjabs on both sides’ need joint plan

Speaking to The Indian Express over the phone, Aurangzeb stressed on the need for “smog diplomacy”.

“It is a national disaster for both countries, especially both Punjabs. If we look at the data of the past three-four days, the AQI in Lahore shot up to extreme levels forcing us to shut our primary schools. The direction of the wind from the Eastern Corridor, blowing from India towards Lahore, is affecting us the most. Our point is, this is not political. It’s all based on scientific data and conditions such as wind, over which no one has control. The only way forward is to bring the smog issue to the table and work together,” said Aurganzeb.

As per the Punjab Pollution Control Board, till November 19, Punjab reported 34,459 farm fires. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

“Basically both Punjabs need to work together on this. According to what our CM has expressed, both countries need to have a joint smog mitigation action plan — time-bound with deadlines and sectoral targets… Our CM is of the view that it should not be dealt with through a political lens between two countries… We will be writing a letter to our Foreign Office, most probably by today, which I assume will further write to the foreign ministry in India… We are hopeful that India will respond positively.”

Asked if the winds from India were the only reason for Lahore’s pollution woes, she said, “No, the winds from India are not the only reason… But yes, data shows that during the paddy harvest season commencing in October till late December, when wind direction and weather changes also happen, and Diwali is celebrated across the border, the smog encapsulates the entire region. As soon as wind changes direction, the AQI in Lahore drops to 200 or so…. As I said, both the countries need to explore and study more data on this. It’s not like that I am blaming India or vice-versa,” she said.

Aurangzeb said Pakistan itself is facing a stubble burning challenge. “The difference between our and Punjab’s paddy stubble problem on the Indian side is of magnitude. The number of farmers and size of farms in India is huge. Here, we are distributing super seeder machines to farmers to manage paddy stubble and also making arrests. Yesterday only, we arrested over 100 individuals for stubble burning,” she said, adding that vehicular emission was another reason for Lahore’s deteriorating air quality.