On November 16, Consul General Zhao Shiren met with Minister of Environment, P&D Punjab Bilal Afzal to exchange views on smog control in Punjab. Chairman of Punjab P&D Board Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary Environment Rashid Kamal, and Deputy Consul General Cao Ke were also present.

    Consul General Zhao said that Punjab Province has suffered from severe smog over the past several years, and Lahore has topped on global air quality index for two consecutive years. Chief Minister Naqvi and the Punjab government have taken a number of initiatives in this regard, reflecting Punjab's firm determination to combat the smog. The Consulate General shares this concern and is ready to help the province fight the "blue sky defense battle" within its capacity.

    Minister Bilal thanked the Consulate General for coordinating and arranging the online meeting between Chinese and Pakistani experts on smog control, saying that China's experience in smog control is of great relevance and significance. Punjab hopes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China to improve the air quality and the environment in the province.