Governor asks varsities to play role in resolving smog issue

LAHORE : Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman has chaired a meeting of consortium on climate change and environment here at Governor’s House on Saturday.

During the meeting, proposals and measures to solve the issue of smog were discussed in detail. Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission, Dr. Shahid Munir, along with vice chancellors and experts from various universities participated in the meeting. 

On this occasion, former Vice Chancellor of Islamia University Bahawalpur, Prof Dr. Athar Mehboob and Wajid Naseem Jatoi gave a detailed briefing to the Governor of Punjab on the progress of the Consortium. Speaking on this occasion, Governor Punjab said that smog was a grave issue, adding that smog has many adverse effects on human health. He said that extraordinary measures need to be taken to combat this serious challenge. Governor Punjab said that universities should play a role in solving the problem of smog and environmental pollution in the light of the research done on the environment and the experiences of experts. He asked the vice chancellors to engage university students in designing social media campaigns to spread awareness among the public about environmental pollution and smog. He emphasised that universities should use their resources to solve problems like smog and take steps to improve the environment. Governor Punjab said that work should be started on short-term solutions immediately.

Governor said that final recommendations to various stakeholders, including government departments would be sent from his office within three days to control smog and environmental pollution.

Prof Dr Wajid Naseem Jatoi, Director, International Centre for Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainability (ICCFS), Islamia University Bahawalpur was also designated as the focal person for Consortium on Climate Change, Environment.

Meanwhile, a wheelchair race organised by the Pakistan Paralympics Association at Governor’s House.

Punjab Governor and Begum Governor Ayesha Baligh met the participants of the wheelchair race and welcomed them at Governor’s House. President Pakistan Paralympics Association, Dr. Khalid Jameel and participants of the wheelchair race were present on the occasion. Speaking on this occasion, Punjab Governor said that special people should get equal opportunities in society. He said that a symbolic race has been organised in the Governor House today to promote healthy activity and encourage differently abled persons. Governor Punjab said that wheelchair ramps have been constructed for the first time in the Governor’s House while an elevator was being installed to provide access of the Darbar Hall and the upper part of Governor’s House to the special people adding that the lift will also have braille facilities for the visually impaired. He said that he has also drawn the attention of the Punjab government towards installing special traffic signals to cater to the needs of differently abled persons. Governor Punjab said that the facility of traffic signals with sound should be provided for the visually impaired.

At the end of the race, Punjab Governor distributed certificates to the race winners. The participants of the wheelchair race thanked the governor for inviting them to the Governor’s House.