Indian Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann mocks Maryam Nawaz’s smog claim

Indian Punjab CM emphasised that states should focus on cooperation, not blame games, to tackle air pollution.

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Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, known for his sharp wit and humorous remarks, has taken a jibe at Pakistan's Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz following her recent statement on the smog situation in Lahore.

In an event, Bhagwant Mann mocked Maryam Nawaz's criticism of the smog situation in Indian Punjab, saying that Maryam Sharif had stated that she would write to him (Bhagwant Mann) saying that the smog from Punjab is reaching Lahore.

He further remarked, "The government of Delhi also says the same. It seems like our pollution is forming a circle and moving around. I would say to Maryam Nawaz, 'You can write a letter too'."

The Indian Punjab CM also emphasised that instead of indulging in blame games, states should focus on cooperating to tackle the issue of air pollution.

Maryam Nawaz had earlier stated in her remarks that she was considering writing a letter to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab regarding the smog, stressing the need for diplomatic efforts with India to address the issue of smog and its environmental impact.

CM Maryam Nawaz acknowledged that the smog issue has persisted for years, stating it will take several more years to fully resolve the problem.

Speaking to the media in London alongside her father, Nawaz Sharif, on Tuesday, she emphasised that while the issue is complex and cannot be solved immediately, the provincial government is taking all necessary measures to mitigate its impact.

“The smog issue has been around for years, and it cannot be resolved instantly. The Punjab government is taking steps to address it, and we hope to overcome it,” Maryam said.

Stubble burning in northern India has significantly worsened air quality in Pakistan’s Punjab province, contributing to a thick layer of smog that has engulfed cities across the region.

Pakistani officials report that pollution levels have surged to “hazardous” in many areas, creating a health crisis for millions of residents.

According to Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 30% of the smog in Punjab, including Lahore, originates from across the border in India.

Satellite imagery from NASA shows thousands of fires in India's Punjab and Haryana states, where farmers burn crop stubble after harvest to clear fields for the next planting season. The satelite imagery showed that the burning of crop stubble had continued in Pakistan as well.

The crop burnings have continued on both sides of the border, with larger numbers observed on the Indian side, despite a ban by the respective governments.

To make matters worse smoke from the Indian side of the border drifts into Pakistan, combining with local emissions and colder air to form dense smog.

The smog has forced Pakistan to implement emergency measures, including closing schools, parks, and public areas in 18 districts, with residents advised to stay indoors.