Punjab joins hands with China for environmental preservation

China and Punjab have decided to collaborate on environmental improvement, biodiversity preservation, combating smog, wildlife conservation, and afforestation efforts.

A significant decision to establish the “Beijing-Punjab Clean Air” joint working group was announced, with Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb representing Punjab in the initiative.

During a meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and China’s Minister for Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, both sides agreed to develop an advanced air quality management system for Punjab with China’s support.

Under this partnership, there will be an exchange of environmental expertise, policy coordination, capacity building, data monitoring and sharing, green urban planning, and technology transfer between China and Punjab.

China will assist Punjab in launching eco-friendly energy and transportation initiatives. It was also agreed that Punjab would benefit from China’s experience and expertise in developing an e-transport system.

Furthermore, China will support Punjab in modernising its agricultural sector, introducing environmentally friendly machinery, and promoting sustainable farming techniques. Collaborative efforts will also focus on hydropower development and efficient water usage.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in Beijing, where she met Minister Huang Runqiu. They discussed measures to protect Punjab from environmental risks through skills and technology sharing.

China’s environment minister commended Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s efforts in combating smog and improving the environment in Punjab.

Minister Huang briefed the Chief Minister on environmental protection and ecosystem preservation strategies. Discussions included Punjab’s biodiversity and wildlife conservation projects, as well as afforestation plans.

The meeting also highlighted the initiative to develop a model city in Punjab for environmental improvement.

China’s Ministry of Environment lauded Pakistan’s, particularly Punjab’s, efforts toward environmental conservation.

“Your vision, personal involvement, and expertise in environmental protection are impressive,” said CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif during her conversation with Minister Huang Runqiu.

Chinese officials assured cooperation in urban environmental protection and sustainable development projects.

“We aim to adopt China’s advanced environmental models to address climate challenges in Punjab,” remarked Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Upon taking office as Chief Minister in March 2024, Maryam Nawaz Sharif implemented the first comprehensive plan of its kind to combat smog and improve environmental conditions.

Massive afforestation and forest restoration projects have been launched across Punjab under her leadership.

“We wish to benefit from China’s urban planning expertise and smart city initiatives,” the Chief Minister stated.

She emphasised the strong bond between Pakistan and China, describing them as “Iron Brothers,” while highlighting the pivotal role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan’s development.

“The second phase of CPEC is crucial for eco-friendly energy projects,” she added.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised China’s selection of Huang Runqiu as the Minister for Ecology and Environment, describing it as an excellent choice.

She further expressed confidence in Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who has been entrusted with environmental responsibilities in Punjab. “She is highly dedicated and tirelessly working to combat smog and enhance the environment,” remarked Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Maryam Nawaz meets Liu Jianchao on Day 2 of China visit

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has held a meeting with Liu Jianchao, the Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, on the second day of her official visit to China.

During her visit to Beijing, the two leaders discussed the ongoing strengthening of bilateral relations and areas for further cooperation.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari, Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her gratitude to Minister Liu Jianchao for the warm welcome extended to her and commended the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of China.

She noted that China’s leadership had played a significant role in transforming the country into a global power and emphasized the key role of the Communist Party of China in advancing Pakistan-China relations.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the growing people-to-people connections between Pakistan and China, stressing that these ties were critical in building a stronger community between the two nations.

Punjab to share Chinese medical tech

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to introduce the latest technology for cancer treatment in Punjab by bringing equipment from China.

The cancer treatment will be made possible without surgery and chemotherapy and latest machinery and treatment methods will be introduced in the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital with the cooperation of China.

The chief minister, who is on a visit to China, discussed matters pertaining to cancer treatment with the Hygea Medical Technologies President Dr Liu Fuliang. The company is famed at the international level for having expertise in the latest cancer treatment and machinery.

Dr Liu Fuliang and his team gave a briefing about interventional oncology treatment methods and equipment. He highlighted treatment modes through tumor freeze and heat. He said 10,000 cancer patients had undergone treatment and fully recovered through the Hygea advanced medical treatment method.

The method has been introduced in more than100 hospitals in 25 provinces of China.