Pakistan

“Marie Antoinette moment:” Netizens criticise CM Maryam for foreign trips amid smog crisis in Punjab

Among the world’s most polluted cities, Delhi ranked first with an AQI of 1267, followed closely by Lahore at 644.

Web Desk

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13 Nov 2024

Amidst the worsening toxic smog crisis in Punjab, social media users criticised CM Maryam for her extended stay abroad, questioning her absence during a time when residents are struggling to breathe and no effective measures are in place to address the severe air pollution.

Lahore, and Delhi, the capital of India, are currently shrouded in dense smog which is a dangerous mix of dust and smoke particles.

This month, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) has recorded alarming levels above 1000 on multiple occasions. When AQI levels exceed 300, the air is considered hazardous to human health.

Among the world’s most polluted cities, Delhi ranked first with an AQI of 1267, followed closely by Lahore at 644.

Journalists and activists expressed their disapproval of the Punjab CM’s absence, criticising her lack of proactive involvement in addressing the smog crisis.

Many residents are reporting respiratory and health issues, and local authorities have been forced to close schools and shift offices to remote work.

Activist Ammar Ali Jan expressed his frustration on X, stating that foreign trips during Punjab’s climate emergency send “a message from the ruling classes that when society faces collapse, they will be the first to abandon it. The irresponsibility and lack of empathy is disgusting!”

x.com

Callous behaviour by the Chief Minister of Punjab to abandon her people at a time of ecological catastrophe. It's a message from the ruling classes that when society faces collapse, they will be the first ones to abandon it. The irresponsibility and lack of empathy is disgusting!
— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) November 12, 2024

Singer Ali Zafar also voiced his concerns, urging the Punjab government to transparently share details of its 10-year public policy plan to combat smog.

x.com

I understand that @GovtofPunjabPK has formulated a 10-year policy to address smog, currently under review in the High Court which a good first step. Could @Marriyum_A kindly confirm and provide an overview of the key initiatives and action steps and to what efficiency they would…
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) November 12, 2024

x.com

A literal Marie Antoinette moment in Pakistan. While Punjab is experiencing a severe smog spell, with air pollution levels 70% higher than the limits set by WHO.

CM of Punjab, her environment minister even the chief secretary Punjab are enjoying clean air in Geneva, mocking the… pic.twitter.com/48IrZbwCMa
— Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) November 12, 2024

x.com

I don’t think you can display Pakistan’s corrosive corruption any better than this. pic.twitter.com/c6HYhvFKrO
— People’s Commissar (@ScaevolaHand) November 13, 2024

x.com

Maryam Nawaz’s most recent public appearance shows that the govt is not taking this issue seriously. So many ppl in this country could fix this issue and advise our politicians on optics. From jokes being made to moving to Karachi, to fur lapels and blaming old cars. We’re doomed
— Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ذوالفقار علي ڀٽو (@BhuttoZulfikar) November 13, 2024