Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented Punjab’s comprehensive climate resilience strategy at the COP-30 Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, underscoring the province’s commitment to sustainable development and green transformation.
Speaking at the Pakistan Pavilion, Maryam Nawaz unveiled a Rs123 billion climate budget — a significant increase from the previous Rs94 billion — aimed at accelerating initiatives to combat smog, promote renewable energy, and modernize environmental governance.
“Climate protection is now at the heart of every policy decision,”
Maryam emphasized, highlighting Punjab’s alignment with global climate commitments under the UN Climate Change Framework.
Smog War Room and AI-Powered Environmental Monitoring
A major highlight of Punjab’s strategy is the introduction of an AI-powered Smog Monitoring System and a dedicated Smog War Room, designed to track real-time pollution data and coordinate rapid response efforts across the province.
The initiative will integrate satellite imagery, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy in detecting environmental violations and forecasting air quality trends.
“The Smog War Room will serve as the nerve center of Punjab’s clean air mission — bringing data, technology, and governance together for the first time,”
Maryam said.
Clean Punjab Initiative and Green Reforms
Under the Clean Punjab Initiative, the government plans to accelerate projects focused on waste-to-energy conversion, eco-friendly fuels, and urban forestry. The strategy also features expanded e-mobility programs, targeting the introduction of electric public transport fleets and incentives for EV adoption.
Maryam also unveiled reforms in the wildlife and biodiversity sectors, ensuring stricter protection of endangered habitats and species through smarter, technology-led conservation measures.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that Punjab’s environmental policies now align with Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Paris Agreement, stressing that climate resilience is essential for long-term economic growth.
Global Recognition for Provincial Climate Leadership
Maryam’s presentation received praise from international delegates and observers who commended Punjab’s proactive stance in tackling climate change at the subnational level.
Pakistan’s pavilion at COP-30 showcased regional innovations in climate adaptation, energy transition, and green financing, positioning the country as an emerging voice in the global sustainability dialogue.
Maryam concluded her address by calling for international cooperation and investment in climate-smart infrastructure, stating that the fight against environmental degradation “must be global, united, and equitable.”