The Punjab government has introduced the Chief Minister Climate Leadership Development Internship Program, called “Mera Punjab Smog Free,” to involve young graduates in community service to improve the province. This program offers a Rs25,000 monthly scholarship.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of collective action to eliminate smog. She stated that under this initiative, young graduates who completed their degrees in the last two years can apply to provide valuable community service.
The program will pay the interns Rs25,000 per month and aims to offer a platform for community service and environmental protection. Registration is open until July 20, 2024, for individuals aged 18 to 25. Participants will receive a ‘Community Service Certificate’ upon completing their internship.
The CM urged the public to support the government’s efforts to tackle smog by planting trees, reducing vehicle and factory emissions, cutting down plastic use, and avoiding burning crop residue.
Additionally, the CM welcomed the end of the strike by flour mills. She expressed hope that the Pakistan Flour Mills Association would support the withholding tax in Punjab. She thanked the association’s leadership for deciding against the strike and assured them of her proactive role in resolving their legitimate concerns.
