ISLAMABAD: The Chief Minister of Pakistan’s largest province has advocated for “climate diplomacy” with India to tackle the escalating smog issues as winter approaches, a season notorious for severe pollution in both countries.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the necessity of collaboration, stating, “We should talk to them; this is called climate diplomacy. We should do it with India.” She highlighted that coordinated actions are essential to address the toxic smog that often crosses the border due to prevailing winds.
Historically, relations between India and Pakistan have fluctuated, but they have remained largely strained since diplomatic ties were downgraded in 2019 amid escalating tensions.
As temperatures drop, air quality deteriorates significantly, with Lahore and Delhi frequently ranking among the most polluted cities globally. The phenomenon of temperature inversion exacerbates the situation, trapping pollution closer to the ground and filling hospitals with patients suffering from respiratory issues.
A report published last year indicated that rising air pollution could reduce life expectancy by over five years per person in South Asia, which is one of the most polluted regions in the world.
India’s foreign minister is set to visit Pakistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, marking the first such visit in nearly a decade. However, the Indian government has made it clear that discussions on bilateral relations will not be on the agenda during the visit.
