LAHORE: A significant meeting took place between US Consul General Ms. Kirstin K. Hawkins and Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi at the Chief Minister’s office.
The primary agenda of their discussion revolved around matters of mutual interest, with a strong emphasis on addressing the pressing smog issue in the region. During their conversation, they delved into several key areas of potential collaboration.
First and foremost, the two leaders explored opportunities to bolster investment in the region. They recognized the potential for growth in various sectors and sought to enhance cooperation in agriculture and tourism.
Chief Minister Naqvi expressed his gratitude for American support in the restoration of historical buildings within the province. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the excellent relations between Pakistan and the United States.
To further this commitment, he proposed the idea of formalizing a sister state agreement between Punjab and California, aiming to foster even closer bilateral ties.
The issue of rising smog levels in Lahore and other cities was a significant concern raised during the meeting. Chief Minister Naqvi attributed the increased smog levels to the extensive burning of crop residues in neighboring countries.
In response to this environmental challenge, he announced the imposition of a smog emergency and mandated the use of masks for students in schools as a preventive measure. He emphasized that every possible effort was being taken to mitigate the adverse effects of smog.
US Consul General Ms. Kirstin K. Hawkins assured Chief Minister Naqvi of the United States’ continued cooperation with the Punjab government across various domains, indicating a strong commitment to furthering their partnership.
