Punjab conducts cloud seeding to combat smog with locally developed technology

In a significant development aimed at tackling the region’s smog crisis, the Punjab government successfully conducted a cloud seeding operation on Friday using locally developed technology, resulting in artificial rainfall.

The Provincial Meteorological Department confirmed rainfall in Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Chakwal, and Talagang, attributing it to the cloud seeding effort.

The government lauded the success, claiming Punjab has once again led in technological advancements within Pakistan.

According to meteorologists, cloud seeding was conducted around 2 pm, with subsequent rainfall observed within hours in Jhelum and Gujar Khan. Experts expressed optimism that cloud seeding could lead to showers in Lahore as well, potentially alleviating the city’s severe smog.

The project, which represents a collaborative effort, involved specialists from Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Army Aviation, PARCO (Pakistan Arab Refining Company), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Punjab government.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the project team, congratulating the scientific and technical experts involved. "Today, through your hard work, dedication, and expertise, Punjab has made history. The entire nation is proud of you,” she said.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the timely rains and congratulating both the public and the project team. 

"Alhamdulillah, today we received good news in the form of rain,” she remarked, noting that a similar experiment was conducted last year with support from the United Arab Emirates. "This time, however, we achieved success using 100% local expertise and technology,” she added.