Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to Participate in COP30
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is set to travel to Brazil today (Thursday) to attend the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, which will take place in Belém. Her participation aims to showcase Punjab’s efforts in climate transformation on a global scale.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the chief minister mentioned that she would be departing tomorrow for COP30 in Belém, Brazil. She highlighted her intention to present Punjab’s journey in climate transformation, including initiatives such as Suthra Punjab, E-Mobility, Air Quality Index (AQI) Leadership, and Wildlife Protection. Maryam Nawaz expressed pride in representing a new wave of climate leadership from Pakistan, rooted in innovation, inclusion, and shared responsibility for the planet. She also looked forward to engaging in meaningful dialogues with world leaders, scientists, and innovators to advance solutions for the planet’s future.
The chief minister will be accompanied by Punjab’s Senior Minister for Environment, Marriyum Aurangzeb. Both leaders are expected to emphasize Punjab’s progress in environmental governance, the transition to electric mobility, air quality management, and biodiversity protection under the Suthra Punjab (Clean Punjab) initiative. This visit marks the first time a provincial leader from Pakistan will represent the country’s subnational climate efforts at the UN climate summit. The trip aims to foster international cooperation and attract global partnerships for Punjab’s ongoing environmental and sustainable development programs.
Review of Railway Development Projects
Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi met with Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday to discuss the progress of various railway development projects being implemented in collaboration with the Punjab government.
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to upgrade eight branch lines and assessed the progress made in improving unsafe and unmonitored level crossings to enhance passenger safety. They also discussed the renovation of Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila railway stations, a joint initiative between Pakistan Railways and the Punjab Tourism Department. The department has already prepared models of these stations, with construction work expected to begin soon.
The discussion also covered the ‘Green Corridor’ project along the Shahdara to Kot Lakhpat railway track, as well as the linear plantation plan to be implemented in collaboration with the Forest Department. Additionally, the ministers addressed the Lahore-to-Rawalpindi fast train project, emphasizing the need for timely completion and improved service standards.
Both Hanif Abbasi and Marriyum Aurangzeb expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the modernization of Pakistan Railways.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
- Railway Upgrades: Focus on upgrading eight branch lines and improving unsafe level crossings.
- Station Renovations: Collaboration between Pakistan Railways and the Punjab Tourism Department to renovate key stations.
- Green Corridor Project: Implementation of the Green Corridor along the Shahdara to Kot Lakhpat railway track.
- Plantation Plans: Linear plantation initiatives in partnership with the Forest Department.
- Fast Train Project: Emphasis on the timely completion of the Lahore-to-Rawalpini fast train project.