Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine met in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss joint initiatives to tackle smog and advance sustainable development in the capital. Caused by toxic pollutants, smog has engulfed several cities in Punjab over the past month , with Lahore and Multan being the worst hit. The AQI reading in Multan has already crossed 2,000 twice, setting a new record for air pollution.
The Punjab government has declared an emergency in Lahore and Multan, while the effects have also been felt in the federal capital, where the air quality became “ very unhealthy ” two weeks ago. During their meeting, Naqvi and Benhassine decided to form a joint team of the World Bank and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to work together on an anti-smog plan, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Minister Naqvi emphasised the urgency of addressing the alarming AQI figures, which reached 271 this year in the federal capital.
“Before the situation becomes hazardous, we must urgently implement a comprehensive anti-smog strategy,” he was quoted as saying. Previously, CDA had said that the smog situation in Islamabad was under control but called for collective measures and effective coordination from all relevant stakeholders to improve the air quality in the city. Discussions also centred on key areas of mutual interest, which included expanding the electric bus service, improving sanitation, providing clean water, as well as upg.
