LAHORE: Participants in a seminar on promoting localised strategies for smog mitigation gathered to discuss enhancing students` understanding of the causes, consequences, and adverse effects of smog on health, environment and quality of life.

The seminar was organised by the Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) in partnership with Welthungerhilfe, and was held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore.

The seminar was attended by UET Vice Chancellor Prof DrShahid Munir, students, faculty members, civil society representatives, assembly members, journalists and government officials.

Experts from academia, researchers, urban unit, Environment Protection and Climate Change Department, PDMA and City Traffic Police officials shared their insights and strategies on smog mitigation.

RCDS Managing Director Qaisar Iqbal highlighted the rapid increase in smog in Punjab, attributing it to environmental pollution and deforestation.

He pointed out that transportation and waste management contribute to the release of carbondioxide, leading to climate change.

Speakers discussed how climate change impacts culture, noting that disasters such as heat waves, floods and droughts are occurring in Pakistan. They emphasised that smog affects lifestyles and poses a significant threat to traditional and archaeological sites like Mohenjodaro and Harappa.

Dr Imran Sattar from the Health Department warned that smog was severely affecting human health and damaging agriculture. He shared preventive measures and emphasised the importance of limiting outdoor activities during smog epi-sodes.

Ms Rahila Khadim Hussain, parliamentary secretary for Environment Protection and Climate Change Department, shared the Punjab government`s efforts and policies on smog mitigation and environmental protection.

Prof Dr Shahid Munir stressed collective responsibility in cleaning the country and shared actionable strategies to reduce smog.

The seminar concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to the guests, underlining the collective commitment to tackling the issue of smog and working towards a cleaner environment.